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THE  OPEN  WAY 

INTO  THE  BOOK  OF 
REVELATION 


God's  Sevenfold  Way  to  Con 
summations  or  Fulfillments 
of  Prophecies 


BY 


M.  M.  ESHELMAN 

Author  of  Sabbatism;  One  Faith  Vindicated;  True 

Vital  Piety;  Two  Sticks,  or  The  Ten  Tribes  of 

Israel  Discovered;  Los  Angeles,  Then 

and  Now;  Operations  of  the 

Holy  Spirit 


1915 

BRETHREN  PUBLISHING  HOUSE 

ELGIN,  ILLINOIS 


DEDICATORY 

*TpO  the  "King  of  saints,"  and  to  all  who 
believe  "He  shall  come  to  be  glorified 
in  his  saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them 
that  believe  in  that  day,"  is  this  Open  Way 
into  the  Book  of  Revelation  lovingly  dedi- 
cated by 

The  AUTHOR 


Read  This  First 

How  This  Book  Was  Made. 

As  in  a  harbor  two  lights  are  placed  so  that  the  ship 
entering  may  keep  itself  in  range  of  safety,  so  I  have 
tried  to  keep  the  long  range  light  in  perfect  line  with 
the  shorter  range  body,  by  first  reading  the  book  of 
Revelation  through  about  thirty  times,  with  greater 
and  greater  interest;  then  I  took  the  nearer  light, 
which  is  a  very  close  and  minute  examination  of  the 
smaller  parts,  the  meaning  of  words,  of  types, 
symbols,  emblems,  and  allegories.  My  next  close 
study  was  to  secure  the  meaning  of  the  types,  sym- 
bols, etc.,  in  the  Old  Testament  and  apply  them  to  the 
book  of  Revelation :  for  it  is  largely  symbolic,  and 
thus  shadows  forth  the  actual  and  the  real  in  such 
time  as  God  has  purposed  in  his  own  mind. 

Next  I  examined  the  contexts  and  parallel  passages 
throughout  the  Bible.  In  this  way  the  Throne-view 
of  the  exalted  Christ  can  be  clearly  seen.. 

Equipment. 

I  did  not  desire  to  bring  peril  to  my  soul's 
highest  interest  by  cultivating  a  mere  carnal  desire  for 
knowledge  or  to  build  up  a  theory.  It  was  more 
than  contents  of  the  book  with  me.  It  was  not  merely 
a  delight  to  discover  the  meaning  of  words  or  to  en- 
large upon  terms  for  personal  glory,  but  the  motive 
ever  in  view  was  to  be  useful  to  God  in  bringing  his 
truth  more  clearly  to  believers  that  they  might  have 
true  joy! 


6  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Responsibility. 

I  remembered  how  unsafe  it  is  personally  to  go  on 
without  faith,  prayer,  and  obedience  myself,  or  to  lead 
others  into  mere  theories  and  cause  them  to  rely  upon 
such  theories  and  thus  to  yield  up  the  most  valuable 
thing  in  their  beings ;  viz.,  power,  to  obey  God.  Has 
God  merely  linked  knowledge  to  theory  and  thus  ren- 
dered man  a  puny  creature,  depending  upon  what  he 
does  not  experience?  Or  has  he  linked  his  knowledge 
to  human  faith  and  obedience  so  that  honest  belief 
may  get  valuable  experiences  by  submission  to  truth? 
Evidently  he  has ! 
Putting  the  Work  in  Form. 

Seven  years  of  felicitous  study  and  teaching;  com- 
paring scripture  with  scripture ;  reading  authorities  on 
the  book  of  Revelation;  wading  through  much  chaff 
of  opinions ;  gathering  here  and  there  grains  of  wheat ; 
I  came  on  delightfully  realizing  that  to  know  the  book 
better  brought  its  useful  fruits.  When  I  discovered 
directly  in  the  Bible  itself,  that  the  key  to  a  right  un- 
derstanding was  to  apply  the  meaning  of  the  Old  Tes- 
tament symbols  to  the  book  of  Revelation,  there  came 
the  right  kind  of  LIGHT. 

If  the  types,  symbols,  and  emblems  in  the  Old  Tes- 
tament centered  in  Christ  as  to  his  redemptive  work, 
why  should  not  the  types,  symbols  and  emblems  in 
the  New  Testament,  issued  from  his  Glorified  Throne, 
have  the  same  fulfillment  when  he  comes  to  earth 
again?  All  the  shadows  in  the  Old  Testament  as  to 
Christ's  conception,  birth,  growth,  miracle-working, 
suffering,  death,  resurrection  and  ascension  were 
filled  up  by  a  personal  Messiah ;  why  do  not  the  types, 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  7 

symbols,  emblems,  allegories  given  from  his  Father's 
Throne,  have  a  fulfillment  in  due  time  just  as  literally 
as  those  given  as  to  redemption  ?  This  is  a  vital  point 
and  it  is  reasonable,  logical,  and  buttressed  with  di- 
vine truth.  Seeing  this,  I  became  exceedingly  happy. 
We  are,  therefore,  dealing  with  Throne-things,  made 
possible  by  Cross-things. 

The  next  step  was  to  make  a  skeleton  book  so  as 
to  learn  how  many  words  might  be  used,  and  to  as- 
certain the  cost.  In  this  way  a  basis  for  some  neces- 
sary knowledge  was  obtained. 

My  wife's  grandson,  Paul  Perry,  twelve  years  of 
age,  readily  learned  the  use  of  the  type  machine  and 
gave  much  assistance,  as  well  as  my  dear  companion 
in  life.  A  reexamination  of  all  references,  to  be  sure 
of  accuracy,  was  necessary. 

A  consciousness  of  imperfections  lingers  near. 

May  each  believer  be  watching,  waiting,  praying 
in  all  readiness  for  coronation  in  the  next  or  glory 
dispensation. 

Interpretation. 

If  thunder  is  used  to  express  God's  dealings 
with  his  adversaries  from  heaven  (1  Sam.  2:  10), 
what  else  can  it  mean  in  Rev.  8:  5?  If  thunder 
is  a  symbol  of  God's  presence  as  at  Mt.  Sinai  (Ex. 
19:  16),  why  should  not  thunder  symbolize  God's 
presence  in  his  majesty  as  found  in  Rev.  4:  5? 

If  iron  in  Dan.  2:  40  signified  great  strength,  why 
should  not  iron  in  Rev.  9:  9  signify  strength  also? 

In  this  way  one  may  become  as  familiar  with  the 
symbolic  meaning  in  Revelation  as  in  the  Old  Tes- 


8  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

tament.  There  is  very  little  chance  of  missing  the 
teachings  through  this  Open  Way. 

Was  Jesus  crucified  locally?  He  was  crucified  in 
Jerusalem,  a  very  local  place. 

Was  the  death  of  Jesus,  in  all  its  purposes  and 
powers,  confined  to  a  single  locality,  the  land  and 
country  where  it  was  done?  It  was  not  so  confined. 
Its  effects  were  world-wide. 

Were  his  teachings  in  two  parts?  They  were. 
One  part  consists  of  promises  of  salvation  to  the 
penitent  believer,  and  the  other  part  consists  in  losses, 
failures,  judgments  to  the  rejectors  and  unbelievers 
and  doubters. 

Were  these  teachings  confined  to  believers  and  un- 
believers in  Palestine? 

By  no  means ;  these  teachings  to  believers  and  as 
to  the  destiny  of  both  believers  and  unbelievers  are 
world-wide. 

If,  then,  the  promises  of  salvation  become  world- 
wide in  their  applications,  do  not  the  teachings  on 
judgments  and  punishments  of  sin  become  world- 
wide also? 

Were  the  judgments  of  sins  written  solely  for  the 
Israelites? 

Whatever  was  uttered  or  written,  as  to  sins  judged, 
was  given  for  all  men.  As  corrective  means  were 
used  in  various  ages,  they  became  types  for  larger 
corrections  until  the  last  large  one  will  stand  for  the 
last  one  around  the  globe.  Unbelief  is  the  all-in- 
clusive sin.  God  must  deal  with  it  justly.  To  destroy 
it  is  just  for  the  human  race.  Correctives  must  be 
believed  and  regarded  as  well  as  terms  of  salvation. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  9 

Spiritual  education. 

1.  Spiritual  education  is  the  proper  development  of 
the  Divine  Life  begun  in  the  human  soul  by  the  Power 
of  Divine  Truth. 

2.  Spiritual  development  embraces  two  thorough 
processes ;  viz.,  the  perceptive  and  the  productive. 
The  perceptive  process  is  from  the  outward  to  the 
inward.  The  productive  is  from  the  inward  toward 
the  outward. 

3.  The  spiritual  development  is  willingly  receptive 
and  righteously  productive,  resulting  in  loving  obe- 
dience to  God. 

4.  Study  is  the  earnest  effort  of  the  human  mind 
to  arrive  at  maturity  on  any  given  subject ;  hence  the 
laws  of  INDUCTION,  CORRELATION,  and  EX- 
PRESSION. 

5.  Induction. 

By  this,  one  observes  a  number  of  individual  facts, 
and,  by  analogy  (resemblance  between  things),  ex- 
tends the  truths  to  other  facts,  thus  reaching  general 
principles  of  laws.  By  correlation,  or  reciprocal  re- 
lation or  parallelism,  the  learner  is  led  to  give  ex- 
pression of  his  fuller  knowledge  and  clearer  insight 
of  the  will  of  God  in  his  soul. 

6.  This  knowledge,  being  spiritual  and  continuously 
overshadowed  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  living  in  the  re- 
generated heart,  fits  the  recipient  for  holy  labors  and 
affined  felicities,  now  and  evermore. 

7.  This  spiritual  education  is  not  received  from 
man,  but  comes  from  God  through  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures. 

"  An  unspiritual  man  rejects  the  teaching  of  the 


10  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Spirit  of  God.  To  him  it  is  mere  folly;  he  can  not 
grasp  it,  because  it  is  only  to  be  understood  by 
spiritual  insight"  (1  Cor.  2:  14). 

Why  can  not  a  natural  or  sinful  man  use  the  Spirit ? 

He  is  still  Cainitic.  He  is  a  religious  natural  man. 
He  concedes  but  does  not  confess  him.  If  he  wor- 
ships, he  worships  after  his  own  will.  He  does  not 
believe  in  atonement  by  blood.  He  still  offers  earth- 
fruits — money,  self-improvement,  human  works. 


JESUS  CHRIST  REVEALED 
FROM  THE  GLORY-THRONE 

Revelation  a  Very  Open  Book  by  God's 

Means  of  Symbols,  Types,  Emblems 

As   Made  Known  in  the 

Old  Testament 


STUDY  ONE 

God's  Revealed  Will  from  His  Throne. 

To  whom  first  given? — Jesus  Christ. 

To  whom  delivered  and  revealed? — God's  angel. 

By  whom  sign-i-fied? — God's  angel. 

To  whom  delivered  by  God's  angel? — The  Apostle 
John. 

Where? — On  earth  and  in  heaven. 

Where  was  it  written? 

On  the  isle  of  Patmos,  now  called  Patino,  and 
Palmosa,  in  the  southern  part  of  the  JEgean  Sea, 
southwest  of  the  seven  churches  of  Asia  Minor. 

The  time  covered  was  from  the  dateless  past  to  the 
eternity  coming. 

It  was  written  about  A.  D.  90  or  96. 

The  structure  is  symbolically-real. 

In  mould,  it  is  septiformal  or  sevenfold,  reaching 
into  consummations  or  completions. 

The  word  Lamb,  a  title  of  Jesus  Christ,  is  used 
twenty-eight  times. 

11 


12  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

God  sent  the  book  and  sign-i-fied,  or  sig-ni-fied, 
or  made  it  a  guide  to  human  understanding  by  signs. 

By  whom  did  he  sign-i-fy  it  or  use  signs? 

By  his  angel.  He  officially  marked  out  his  angel  or 
messenger  to  uncover  to  John  his  last  and  most  won- 
derful message  to  man,  about  how  he  will  judge  sin 
and  reward  righteousness. 

From  whence  was  this  Revelation  made? 

It  was  made  from  the  glory  throne  in  heaven, 
showing  Jesus  Christ  in  his  Lamb  and  judicial  char- 
acter. 

As  to  events,  how  zvide  is  the  range  of  the  book? 

That  "  which  is,  and  which  was,  and  which  is  to 
come  "  (1:4). 

To  whom  are  his  relationships? 

(1)  To  the  seven  churches.  Also  to  all  the  local 
churches  from  that  time  to  his  coming  again,  clothed 
with  clouds  (1 :  9  to  3:  22). 

(2)  His  relationship  officially  as  High  Priest  in 
the  heaven,  on  the  throne  of  his  Father's  glory  (8: 
3-6). 

(3)  His  relationship  to  the  bride  upon  his  return 
(19:  7-9)  and  as  King-Judge  of  the  earth  (20:  1-15). 

What  is  the  central  theme  of  the  book? 

Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Savior,  who,  as  Bride- 
groom of  the  saints,  and  as  King-Judge  of  the  cov- 
enanted kingdom,  is  moving  all  toward  consummation 
or  fulfillment   (11:   15). 

How  does  God  open  the  way  to  spiritual  under- 
standing of  the  book? 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  13 

By  using  types,  symbols,  emblems,  and  allegories 
in  the  Old  Testament,  where  he  explains  their  mean- 
ings. 

STUDY  TWO 

As  an  outline  of  the  teachings  of  the  book,  nothing 
has  appealed  to  the  author  like  that  given  in 
"  Scofield's  Reference  Bible " — a  book  that  easily 
leads  all  others  in  comprehension,  terseness,  clear- 
ness, and  worth.  No  library  is  complete  until  it  con- 
tains a  copy  of  C.  I.  Scofield's  "  Reference  Bible." 
After  many  years  of  hard  study,  this  Bible  came  to 
my  library,  giving  me  great  pleasure.  See  further 
notice  at  the  close  of  this  book. 

Jesus  Christ  Glorified  Pre-eminent. 

What  is  the  topic  of  the  book? 

The  theme  of  the  Revelation  is  Jesus  Christ  (1 :  1), 
presented    in    a    threefold    way:    (1)    As    to    time 
"  which  is,  which  was,  and  which  is  to  come  (1:4) 
(2)  as  to  relationships — to  the  churches   (1:  9  to  3 
22)  ;  to  the  tribulation  (4:  1  to  19:  21)  ;  to  the  king- 
dom   (20:    1    to  20:   21);    (3)    in  his   offices— High 
Priest  (8:  3-6);  Bridegroom  (19:  7-9);  King-Judge 
(20:  1-15). 

Where  do  all  the  events  move  to? 

While  Christ  is  the  central  theme  of  the  book,  all 
of  the  events  move  toward  one  consummation,  the 
bringing  in  of  the  covenanted  kingdom.  The  key- 
phrase  is  the  prophetic  declaration  of  the  "  great 
voices  in  heaven"  (11:  15),  lit.,  "The  world  king- 
dom of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ  has  come."  The 
book  is,  therefore,  a  prophecy   (1:  3). 


14  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

What  are  the  sevenfold  themes  of  the  book? 

The  three  major  divisions  of  Revelation  must  be 
clearly  held  if  the  interpretation  is  to  be  sane  and 
coherent.  John  was  commanded  to  "  write "  con- 
cerning three  classes  of  "things"   (1:  19). 

1.  Things  past,  "  the  things  which  thou  hast  seen," 
i.  e.,  the  Patmos  vision  (1 :  1-20).  2.  Things  present, 
"  the  things  which  are,"  i.  e.,  things  then  existing — 
obviously  the  churches.  The  temple  had  been  de- 
stroyed, the  Jews  dispersed;  the  testimony  of  God 
had  been  committed  to  the  churches  (1  Tim.  3:  15). 
Accordingly  we  have  seven  messages  to  seven  rep- 
resentative churches  (2:  1  to  3:  22).  It  is  noteworthy 
that  the  word  "  church  "  does  not  occur  after  3 :  22. 
3.  Things  future,  "  things  which  shall  be  hereafter," 
lit.,  "  after  these,"  i.  e.,  after  the  church  period  ends 
(4:  1  to  22:  21).  The  third  major  division,  as  Erdman 
(W.  J.)  has  pointed  out,  falls  into  a  series  of  six 
sevens  with  five  parenthetical  passages,  making,  with 
the  church  division,  seven  sevens.  The  six  sevens  are : 
1.  The  seven  seals  (4:  1  to  8:  1).  2.  The  seven  trum- 
pets (8:  2  to  11 :  19).  3.  The  seven  personages  (12:  1 
to  14:  20).  4.  The  seven  vials  (bowls)  (15:  1  to  16: 
21).  5.  The  seven  dooms  (17:  1  to  20:  15).  6.  The 
seven  new  things  (21:  1  to  22:  21). 

"The  parenthetical  passages  are:  (1)  The  Jewish 
remnant  and  the  tribulation  saints  (7:  1-17).  (2) 
The  angel,  the  little  book,  the  two  witnesses  (10:  1  to 
11 :  14).  (3)  The  Lamb,  the  remnant,  and  the  ever- 
lasting Gospel  (14:  1-13).  (4)  The  gathering  of  the 
kings  at  Armageddon  (16:  13-16).  (5)  The  four 
alleluias  in  heaven  (19:  1-6).    These  passages  do  not 


THE   BOOK   OF   REVELATION  15 

advance  the  prophetic  narrative.  Looking  backward 
and  forward,  they  sum  up  results  accomplished,  and 
speak  of  results  yet  to  come  as  if  they  had  already 
come.  In  14:  1,  for  example,  the  Lamb  and  remnant 
are  seen  prophetically  on  Mt.  Sion,  though  they  are 
not  actually  there  till  20:  4-6. 

"  The  end  of  the  church  period  (2-3)  is  left  in- 
determinate. It  will  end  by  the  fulfillment  of  1 
Thess.  4:  14-17.  Chapters  4-19  are  believed  to  syn- 
chronize with  Daniel's  Seventieth  Week  (Dan.  9:  24, 
note).  The  great  tribulation  begins  at  the  middle  of 
the  '  week,'  and  continues  three  and  a  half  years 
(Rev.  11 :  3  to  19:  21).  The  tribulation  is  brought  to 
an  end  by  the  appearing  of  the  Lord  and  the  battle  of 
Armageddon  (24:  29,  30;  Rev.  19:  11-21).  The  king- 
dom follows  (Rev.  20:  4,  5)  ;  after  this  the  '  little  sea- 
son '  (Rev.  20:  7-15),  and  then  eternity." 

STUDY  THREE 

Best  Things  Flung  Out. 

To  whom  are  the  contents  given? 

It  is  the  word  of  God  to  man's  understanding — to 
man  who  can  read,  who  can  hear,  and  who  can  pray. 
It  is  a  very  open  message  to  mankind.  It  is  not  the 
voice  of  secrecy.  It  may  be  the  voice  of  difficulty, 
of  the  call  to  close  study,  to  comparisons,  to  earnest 
research,  to  spiritual  discernments,  but  not  the  voice 
of  difficulty  to  faith. 

How  many  greater  or  major  divisions  are  there  in 
the  book? 

Three :     Chapter     1 :     19.       First :     Things     past. 


16  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Second :  Things  present,  the  churches.  Third : 
Things  to  come,  predicted  things  made  full. 

W hat  are  the  peculiar  phases  of  the  book? 

First:  the  seven  churches.  Second:  the  six  sevens 
or  completions  or  seven  sevens — the  highest  form  of 
consummations.  To  these  seven  sevens  are  added 
five  parenthetical  announcements.  Seven  times  seven 
are  forty-nine,  and  the  fiftieth  is  Jubilee. 

What  constitute  the  seven  sevens? 

(1)  The  seven  churches,  a  picture  of  professing 
Christianity  and  the  one  body  in  it,  from  A.  D.  35  to 
the  arrival  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  to  his  Father  who 
will  then  be  in  all.  (2)  The  seven  seals  (4:  1  to  8: 
1).  (3)  The  seven  trumpets  (8:  2  to  11:  19).  (4) 
The  seven  personages  (12:  1  to  14:  20).  (5)  The 
seven  vial  or  bowls  (15:  1  to  16:  21).  (6)  The 
seven  dooms  (17:  1  to  20:  15).  (7)  The  seven  new 
things  (21:  1  to  22:  21). 

What  are  the  five  parentheses? 

1.  The  Israelite  Remnant,  and  the  great  tribulation 
(7:  1-17).  2.  The  angel,  the  Little  Book,  the  Two 
Witnesses  (10:  1  to  11:  14).  3.  The  Lamb,  the 
Remnant,  the  Everlasting  Gospel  (14:  1-13).  4.  The 
marshaling  of  the  kings  of  Armageddon  (16:  13-16). 
5.  The  four  Hallelujahs  in  heaven  (19:  1-6).  Some 
look  backward,  some  forward  and  total  the  comple- 
tions, and  announce  events  to  come  in  words  as  if 
they  had  already  come  to  pass.  In  14:  1  the  Lamb 
and  God's  Remnant  are  predictively  seen  on  Mount 
Sion,  as  if  they  were  already  at  hand,  but  they  will 
not  be  there  until  20:  4-6  is  reached.  Five  is  the 
number  of  GRACE.    Involved  in  Grace  are  "  Father, 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  17 

Son,  Spirit,  Creation,  Redemption  " — five  great  mys- 
teries. 

When  will  be  the  end  of  the  church  period? 

The  precise  day  or  time  is  not  known  to  man,  but 
it  will  end  its  earthly  career  in  the  flesh  as  indicated 
in  1  Thess.  4:  17  and  in  corresponding  scriptures. 

When  do  the  church  saints  join  Christ  their  Head? 

Evidently  as  announced  in  1  Thess.  4:  16,  17,  which 
reads:  "For  the  Lord  himself  [not  another]  shall 
descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with  the  voice  of 
the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God;  and  the 
dead  in  Christ  shall  rise  first;  then  we  which  are 
alive  and  remain  shall  be  caught  up  together  with 
them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air:  and 
so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the  Lord." 

How  often  did  he  appear  or  will  he  appear  for  the 
saints? 

"  If  I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will  come 
again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself;  that  where  I 
am,  there  ye  may  be  also"  (John  14:  3).  This  is  in 
harmony  with  1  Thess.  4:  16,  17. 

Where  will  Jesus  appear? 

In  the  air  or  sky;  to  resurrect  those  who  died  in 
him  and  change  the  then  living  ones,  all  receiving 
immortal  bodies  such  as  please  God  (1  Cor.  15:  38, 
54).  Col.  3:  4  says:  "When  Christ,  who  is  our  life, 
shall  appear,  then  shall  ye  [the  saints]  also  appear 
with  him  in  glory."     This  is  appearance  one. 

Will  there  be  any  other  appearances  of  Jesus? 

His  first  appearance  was  as  a  Babe  in  Bethlehem  of 
Judea;  his  second  will  be  that  already  proven  by  the 


18  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

oracles  of  God,  and  the  third  appearance  will  be  that 
of  judgment,  the  same  Holy  Spirit  telling  how  and 
what  shall  be  done :  "  And  to  you  who  are  troubled, 
rest  with  us,  when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed 
from  heaven  with  his  mighty  angels,  in  flaming  fire, 
taking  vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  God,  and 
OBEY  not  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

The  Holy  Spirit  said  both  of  these,  one  about  the 
glory  appearing  and  the  other  about  his  coming  in 
flaming  fire  of  judgment.  Do  you  believe  both  state- 
ments to  be  from  the  same  source? 

What  can  be  said  of  i  Peter  i:  12  and  2  Peter  1: 
20,  21? 

First  Peter  1 :  12  affirms  that  all  of  God's  mes- 
sages were  given  by  the  Holy  Spirit  and  are  to  be 
received,  believed  and  obeyed  out  of  a  loving  heart. 
Second  Peter  1 :  20,  21  teaches  that  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures are  not  of  any  private  interpretation  or  con- 
struction and  that  holy  men  of  old  spake  as  they  were 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost." 

Startling  Events  to  Sinners. 

What  will  be  the  condition  of  the  human  family 
between  the  time  of  the  saints  going  up  in  the  skies 
and  their  return  with  Christ  to  reign  one  thousand 
years  ? 

Likely  seven  events  will  take  place  as  the  com- 
pletion of  important  predicted  conditions. 

First:  God  will  send  Elijah  before  the  great  and 
dreadful  day  of  the  Lord  (Mai.  4:  5;  Rev.  11 :  3-6). 
Elijah  will  likely  be  one  of  the  two  witnesses. 

Second :  "  Wonders  in  the  heavens  and  in  the  earth, 
blood,  fire,  pillars  of  smoke"  (Joel  2:  30-32).     Part 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  19 

of  this  prediction  was  fulfilled  at  Christ's  departure, 
or  soon  thereafter  for  heaven,  and  the  completion 
of  it  will  take  place  during  the  "  great  tribulation  " 
(Matt.  24:  29;  Acts  2:  19,  20). 

Third:  The  unfeeling  condition  of  Christianity 
after  the  saints  are  gone  up  to  heaven  (1  Thess.  5: 
1-3). 

Fourth :  The  apostasies  of  Christian  leaders.  The 
teaching  under  the  "  false  prophet "  and  "  beast." 

Fifth:  The  fearful  and  heartrending  frights  for 
what  is  coming  upon  the  earth.  People  will  be  great- 
ly conscious  of  the  portents  in  the  skies  and  the 
phenomena  on  the  earth. 

Sixth :  The  developing  to  the  full  of  the  man  of 
sin  (2  Thess.  2:  1-8),  and  the  teachings  of  Jesus 
while  here   concerning  judgments   (John  12:  48). 

Seventh:  The  disclosures  of  the  contents  of  Rev. 
11  :  16,  18.  All  of  these  will  be  real  movements  from 
heaven  to  earth  by  the  Lord  to  bring  sin  into  judg- 
ment. 

STUDY  FOUR 
Names  of  Deity. 

"  In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and  the 
earth"  (Gen  1:1).  This  creative  act  is  in  the  date- 
less past. 

What  is  the  meaning  of  the  Hebrew  word  El-o- 
him? 

The  syllable  "  el  "  means  "  the  Strong  One,"  Ohim 
or  Alah  or  Elah,  "  to  bind  one's  self  with  an  oath," 
thus  signifying  into  confidence  of  man,  trust  or  faith- 
fulness.    It  is  "  uniplural,"  as  shown  in  Gen.  1 :  26. 


20  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

El-o-him,  or  God,  is  used  in  the  Bible  about  2,500 
times 

What  may  be  said  of  the  word  Jehovah? 

This  word  has  its  beginning  in  putting  three  He- 
brew words  together.  (1)  Yehi,  meaning  "He  will 
be."  (2)  Hove,  meaning  "  being."  (3)  Hah-yah, 
meaning  "  He  was."  Selecting  the  syllable  "  Ye " 
in  Yehi,  and  "  ove  "  in  Hove,  and  the  syllable  "  Yah," 
we  combine  them  thus.  Ye-hove-yah  or  Jehovah.  In 
the  Hebrew  language  the  title  is  always  written  in  the 
form  of  a  tetragrammation — YHVH.  In  the  book  of 
Psalms  it  appears  in  the  shorter  form  Jah  or  Yah  in 
thirty-five  passages,  twice  in  Exodus  and  a  few  times 
in  Isaiah.  "  The  names  reveal  the  doctrine  of  God 
which  creates  the  worship  of  God." 

Bryant  Rotherman,  in  "  The  Emphasized  Bible," 
says  YHVH  is  the  abbreviated  form  of  Yah-weh, 
from  the  root,  Ha-wah,  an  old  form  of  the  root  Ha- 
yah,  "  to  become,"  or  "  will  become." 

Therefore  the  word  Jehovah  doubtless  means  as 
found  in  Exodus :  "  He  that  will  be ;  he  that  is ;  and 
he  that  was."  In  Rev.  1:4,"  Grace  be  unto  you, 
and  peace,  from  him  which  is,  and  which  was,  and 
which  is  to  come."     He  is  still  "  the  Strong  One." 

How  far  can  we  see  Jehovah  in  the  future? 

If  you  can  see  him  in  the  great  present,  if  you  can 
view  him  in  the  tremendous  past  as  shaping  the  des- 
tiny of  worlds,  if  you  can  see  him  in  the  great  coming 
ages  as  the  Victor,  the  Triumpher  over  all,  the  Yah- 
weh,  he  will  give  you  such  a  vision  as  will  bring  you 
closer  and  closer  to  himself. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  21 

Jehovah  revealing  himself. — In  how  many  ways 
does  he  come  to  man? 

In  seven  ways  or  aspects,  in  consummation  in  its 
fullness.  (1)  As  Je-hov-ah-ji-rah.  "The  Lord  will 
provide"  (Gen.  22:  13,  14).  (2)  As  Je-hov-ah-ra- 
pho.  "The  Lord  that  healeth  "  (Ex.  15:  26).  (3) 
As  Je-hov-ah-nis-si.  "The  Lord  our  banner"  (Ex. 
17:  8,  15).  (4)  As  Je-hov-ah-sha-lom.  "The  Lord 
our  peace  "  (Judges  6:  24).  (5)  As  Je-hov-ah-ra-ah. 
"The  Lord  my  shepherd"  (Psa.  23).  (6)  As  Je- 
hov-ah-tsie-ke-nu.  "  The  Lord  our  righteousness  " 
(Jer.  23:  6).  (7)  As  Je-hov-ah-shammah.  "The 
Lord  is  present"  (Ezek.  48:  25). 

What  is  the  distinction  between  El-o-him  and  Je- 
hov-ah? 

El-o-him  (plural)  said  or  expressed:  "  Let  us  make 
man."  Man  was  made  of  the  dust  of  the  earth.  Je- 
hov-ah  said  or  expressed :  "  Breathed  into  man's 
nostrils  the  BREATH  OF  LIFE;  and  man  became 
a  living  soul,  a  self-conscious  being  with  ability  to 
will  and  to  reason.  Thus  he  was  CREATED.  The 
FORM  was  made;  man  was  created. 

There  are  seven  redemptive  names  of  Jehovah,  ex- 
pressing his  ability  to  meet  every'  need  of  man. 
Seven  is  spiritual  perfection.  Isa.  11:  2  announces 
the  sevenfold  spirit  of  the  Messiah  that  was  to  come, 
did  come,  and  is  now  our  sevenfold  Judge  to  come 
again. 


22  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

STUDY  FIVE 
The  Value  of  Scriptural  Numbers 

Beginning  with  God. 

What  does  one  mean? 

As  the  cardinal  idea  ONE  signifies  UNITY.  As 
an  ordinal  it  means  "  primacy."  It  is  independent  of 
all  other  numbers,  because  it  can  not  be  divided. 
One  excludes  all  differences,  because  there  is  no 
other  number  with  which  to  differ.  It  has  no  fellow- 
ship with  idolatry.  It  stands  for  the  first  biblical 
words.  There  can  not  be  two  firsts.  It  is  ever  unity. 
Saints  are  to  "  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the 
bonds  of  peace."  God  first  purposed,  first  willed, 
first  gave  his  Son. 
A  Step  Onward. 

What  may  be  learned  by  two? 

"  Two  denotes  there  is  another  from  one.  There 
is  a  difference.  The  difference  may  be  for  good  or 
for  evil."  Two  can  be  divided.  This  other  from  one 
may  be  helpful  or  hurtful.  When  the  earth  was  void 
or  in  chaos,  the  second,  the  Holy  Spirit,  moved  (flut- 
tered) upon  the  waters  and  brought  harmony.  Here 
one  joined  to  one  became  wondrously  concordant. 
The  second  day  witnessed  the  second  thing  as  com- 
ing, which  was  light.  Here  difference  was  mani- 
fested. God  separated  darkness  from  light.  God 
divided  waters  above  from  waters  below.  The  two 
bodies  of  water  still  are  separated.  "  So  the  second 
day  had  division  for  its  great  characteristic  "  (Gen.  1  : 
6).  "Let  there  be  a  firmament,"  a  heaven,  in  the 
midst  of  the  waters,  right  between  the  waters  above 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  23 

and  the  waters  below.  "  In  the  beginning  "  God  cre- 
ated the  (aerial)  heaven  and  the  earth.  This  was 
order  and  perfection.  "  The  second  speaks  of  ruin 
and  desolation."  This  means  disorder  and  imper- 
fection. The  old  earth  and  the  old  heaven  are  under 
curse.  The  new  heaven  and  the  new  earth  under  a 
blessing  (Rev.  21,  22).  In  the  new  earth  and  new 
heaven  no  night,  no  curse.  We  have  law  and  grace : 
faith  and  works.  Two  may  be  traced  all  through  the 
Bible  to  learn  of  its  gracious  meanings.  Two  stands 
for  duality  in  Christ — human  and  Divine. 

Divine  Perfection  Around  Three. 

What  is  the  scriptural  significance  of  three? 

Three  has  the  idea  of  solidity,  reality,  complete- 
ness, entire.  Length,  breadth,  and  height  are  essential 
to  form  a  solid.  God  is  Omniscient,  Omnipresent, 
Omnipotent.  Thus  he  has  given  man  the  past,  the 
present,  the  future.  The  "  sum  of  capability  is 
thought,  word,  deed."  There  are  the  Father,  Son 
and  Holy  Spirit  in  salvation.  Every  complete  thing 
in  nature,  in  grace,  is  stamped  with  number  three. 
In  mentality  are  three  figures  throughout.  In  the 
vegetable  kingdom,  in  the  mineral  kingdom,  and  in  the 
animal  kingdom  three  is  found  everywhere.  "  Three 
denotes  divine  perfection."  Hence  the  number  three 
points  us  to  what  is  real,  essential,  perfect,  sub- 
stantial, complete,  and  Divine.  There  is  nothing  real 
in  man  or  of  man.  Everything  "  under  the  sun  and 
apart  from  God  is  vanity"  (Psa.  39:  5,  11;  62:  9; 
Eccles.  1:  2,  14;  2:  11,  17,  26;  Rom.  8:  20).  One 
Godhead  in  three  parts,  Father,  Son,  Holy  Spirit. 
Three  times  the  seraphim  cry  "  Holy,  Holy,  Holy." 


24  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

God  is  threefold  holy.  Again,  ONE  stands  for  the 
sovereignty  of  the  ONE  TRUE  GOD;  the  Son,  the 
second,  the  Great  Deliverer;  and  the  third,  the  Holy 
Spirit,  marking  or  completing  the  fulness  of  the  God- 
head.   Observe  the  fulnesses : 

Eph.  3 :  19,  the  fulness  of  God. 

Eph.  4:  13,  the  fulness  of  Christ. 

Col.  2 :  9,  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead. 

Four  Connects  with  Creation. 

What  beauty  and  power  in  four? 

In  our  study  we  have  found  that  "  three  signifies 
Divine  perfection,  with  special  reference  to  the  Trin- 
ity. The  Father  is  ONE  in  sovereignty;  the  Son, 
the  second,  is  worthy  of  the  incarnation :  the  Holy 
Spirit,  realizing  in  us  and  to  us  Divine  things." 
Four  is  three  and  one.  That  which  is  in  three  and 
in  one  is  in  four.  It  is  the  number  of  creation,  related 
to  man.  It  deals  with  material,  hence  a  world  num- 
ber. The  fourth  day  of  creation  material  things 
were  finished ;  on  the  fifth  and  sixth  days  the  earth 
was  furnished  with  living  creatures,  man  included. 
"Four  is  the  number  of  the  great  elements,  earth, 
air,  fire,  water."  There  are  four  directions,  north, 
south,  east,  west;  four  divisions  of  the  day — morn- 
ing, noon,  evening,  midnight.  As  to  Jesus'  return 
to  the  earth  he  speaks  of  evening,  midnight,  cock- 
crowing,  morning  (Mark  13:  35).  Gen.  2:  10,  11 
deals  with  four  rivers.  Four  living  creatures,  who 
announce  the  Coming  One,  by  whom  all  things  were 
created  (Rev.  4).  Notice  that  whenever  those  four 
living  creatures  speak  it  is  something  that  relates 
to  the  earth  or  the  people  of  the  earth.     They  an- 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  25 

nounce  the  plagues  and  judgments  that  come  to  earth. 
They  give  orders  to  the  plague-angels.  Read  into 
Rev  5:  10  "them"  and  "they"  instead  of  "us" 
and  "  we  "  according  to  Tischendorf,  Alford,  West- 
cott  and  Hort.  The  four  Gentile  world-empires  stand 
out  with  world-wide  greatness — Babylon,  Medo- 
Persia,  Greece,  Rome.  The  first  three  have  wild 
beasts  as  representatives,  and  the  fourth  one,  sym- 
bolized by  iron  and  clay,  was  not  named.  It  was  a 
nondescript.  Dan.  7:  2,  3  gives  a  view  of  four 
winds  of  heaven  striving  upon  the  sea;  and  out  of 
the  sea  came  four  beasts  "  diverse  one  from  the 
other."  "  These  were  world  "  powers  in  strife  and 
division.  Being  from  the  earth  they  lacked  unity. 
A  Spiritual  Contrast. 

What  may  we  understand  by  numbers  to  earthly 
and  heavenly  things? 

"  Seven  stamps  everything  with  spiritual  perfec- 
tion, or  evil  consummation,  for  it  is  the  number  of 
heaven,  and  stands  therefore  in  contrast  to  earth's  " 
four.  This  explains  Rev.  5:  12,  where  the  heavenly 
multitude  praise  with  a  sevenfold  blessing.  Ob- 
serve that  on  the  contrary  how  many  ascriptions  of 
praise  the  earthly  people  give  to  the  Lamb — only 
four.  Matt.  13,  in  the  parable  of  the  sower,  there 
are  four  kinds  of  soil.  Three  had  not  acceptable 
elements  of  development;  one  fell  into  unity.  All 
numbers  of  the  Bible  have  great  meanings.  We  note 
only  a  few  out  of  the  multitude  for  want  of  space. 
Peculiar  Phases  of  Five. 

What  does  five  stand  for? 

Five  has  grace  for  its  companion.    "  Thus  we  have 


26  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

(1)  Father,  (2)  Son,  (3)  Holy  Spirit,  (4)  Creation, 
(5)  Redemption.  All  these  connect."  Four  is  the 
number  of  the  world;  one  (Deity)  is  added  to  the 
world-number  to  give  strength  to  imperfect  mankind. 
The  fifth  kingdom  is  the  little  stone  of  Daniel  2, 
which  substitutes  for  all  the  four,  absorbing  them. 
Israel  marched  out  of  Egypt  in  ranks  of  five  because 
the  fifth  One  was  Jehovah,  the  invincible  Supporter. 
The  holy  anointing  oil  contained  four  spices  and  one 
oil,  myrrh,  sweet  calamus,  sweet  cinnamon,  cassia, 
olive  oil.  Oil  is  a  symbol  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  The 
others  are  of  the  earth  and  are  made  available  by  the 
fifth,  the  oil. 

The  Imperfect  Six  for  Man. 

Why  has  man  the  number  six  impressed  upon  him? 

"Six  is  man's  world  four  plus  two  ("  man's  enmity 
to  God  ")  brought  in."  Six  makes  the  grace  of  God 
of  none  effect  by  man's  additions.  "  It  is  the  number 
of  imperfection — man's  number — and  when  it  is  car- 
ried to  fulness  of  evil  in  man  it  reaches  666."  "  The 
square  of  6  is  36,  and  the  sum  of  the  numbers,  1  to 
36,  is  666.  The  Romans  used  for  computation  the 
letters  D  which  equals  500,  C  100,  L  50,  X  10,  V  5, 
and  I  1,  which  figures  total  666.  You  can  be  sure 
that  the  triple  six  marks  the  culmination  of  man's 
opposition  to  God  in  the  person  and  work  of  the  Anti- 
christ." 

So  important  is  six  in  the  affairs  of  man  as  oppos- 
ing God  that  I  take  pleasure  in  quoting  from  E.  W. 
Bullinger's  most  excellent  work,  "  Number  in  Scrip- 
ture," which  every  minister  should  have  in  his  library. 
For  this  work  consult  advertising  page  in  this  book. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  27 

Three  persons  are  under  this  number:  "Goliath, 
whose  height  was  six  cubits,  and  he  had  six  pieces  of 
armor;  his  spear's  head  weighed  600  shekels  of  iron  " 
(1  Sam.  17:  4-7).  "Nebuchadnezzar's  image,  which 
he  set  up,  was  sixty  cubits  high  and  six  cubits  broad 
[Dan.  3:  1],  and  which  was  worshiped  when  the 
music  was  heard  from  six  specified  instruments." 

Antichrist,  whose  number  is  666. 

"  Goliath's  six  is  connected  with  the  pride  of 
fleshly  might."  Nebuchadnezzar's  two  sixes  are  con- 
nected with  the  pride  of  absolute  dominion. 

Antichrist's  three  sixes  connect  with  the  pride  of 
Satanic  guidance. 

Six  is  quite  significant,  two  sixes,  or  66  more  so, 
and  three  sixes,  or  666,  denote  the  utmost  concen- 
tration of  all  ugliness. 

The  Number  of  Spiritual  Perfection. 

What  is  the  number  of  spiritual  completeness? 

It  is  the  number  seven  used  so  extensively  in  Scrip- 
ture. This  number  is  used  as  no  other  number  is 
used  in  God's  Word.  "  Seven,  and  its  compounds, 
occur  in  multiplies  of  seven  in  the  Old  Testament." 
"  Seven  occurs  287  times  in  the  Old  Testament.  This 
is  7x41.  Seventy  occurs  ninety-eight  times,  which 
is  7x14.  Seventy  occurs  fifty-six  times,  which  is 
8x7.  Seventy,  in  combination  with  other  numbers, 
occurs  thirty-five  times,  or  7x5.  Spirit  and  order  are 
vastly  extended  in  seventy.  Seventy  signifies  "  per- 
fect spiritual  order  carried  out  with  all  spiritual 
power "  and  understanding.  Seventy  souls  of  Gen. 
45,  carried  out  by  God's  perfect  spiritual  seven,  mul- 
tiplied by  his  divine  ten  which  denotes  spiritual  order, 


28  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

hence  7x10  disciples  of  Jesus.  Spiritual  order  unites 
with  spiritual  perfection  in  God's  domain,  and  even 
in  the  Church  of  Jesus  Christ.  It  was  not  accident 
and  mere  chance  when  the  church  carries  spiritual 
order  with  spiritual  perfection  in  her  government, 
especially  where  the  Holy  Spirit  is  permitted  to  rule 
with  God's  system  of  perfection  and  order;  but  when 
believers  attempt  to  mix  God's  seven  (spiritual  per- 
fections) with  man's  worldly  six,  then  come  con- 
fusion, division,  grief,  disfellowship.  Six  plus  seven 
are  thirteen,  and  the  significance  is  found  in  Gen.  14: 
4:  "Twelve  years  they  served  Chedorlaomer  and  the 
thirteenth  they  rebelled."  Astonishing  as  it  seems, 
wherever  eight  (superabundance  of  satiating)  and 
thirteen  (rebellion,  apostasy,  defection,  corruption, 
revolution)  are  joined  there  the  carnalities  have  full 
sway  and  the  saints  wonder  why  such  a  "  mixture  " 
of  living.  It  is  here  among  the  eights  and  thirteens 
that  believers  take  delight  in  dances,  card  playing, 
musical  "  schottishes,"  unspiritual  music  of  every 
kind,  even  down  to  the  clownish.  They  surely  have 
given  good-bye  to  the  spiritual  one,  two,  three,  five, 
seven,  ten,  twelve  and  seventy,  and  if  they  do  not  quit 
the  eight  and  thirteen  unspiritualities  they  are  likely  to 
get  into  the  666.  Space  forbids  a  further  visiting 
among  these  numbers.     We  must  next  go  on  to 

"  The  Superabundant  Eight." 

What  great  abundance  does  eight  stand  for  in  the 
Bible  ? 

"  The  seventh  day  "  of  creation  was  the  "  day  of 
completion  and  rest."  The  eighth  day  was  one,  unity, 
added  to  the  perfect  seven.     It  is  "  the  first  of  the 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  29 

second  series  of  seven.  Jesus  rose  the  first  day  of  the 
week  from  the  grave,  to  which  first  day  was  added  to 
seven,  made  significant  of  abundance  of  Life."  As 
a  noun,  it  represents  "  superabundant  fertility,  oil, 
etc."  Feast  of  tabernacles  was  kept  eight  days  (Lev. 
23:  39).  In  Rev.  17:  11,  "  the  beast  that  was  not  and 
is,"  comes  from  the  seven  dynasties ;  is  fat  with 
worldly  honor  and  wealth. 

The  Remarkable  Nine. 

What  does  it  signify f 

It  is  the  last  of  the  digits,  for  the  next  number 
must  be  expressed  by  two  numbers.  It  is  3x3  or 
Trinity  expressed  threefold.  It  speaks  of  conclusions. 
It  marks  the  finality  of  man,  the  judgment  and  all 
man's  works.  Jerusalem  has  been  besieged  twenty- 
seven  times,  or  3x9.  In  Haggai  1:11  nine  judgments 
are  particularized.  The  gifts  of  the  Spirit  are  nine 
(1  Cor.  12:  8-10).  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  nine 
(Gal.  5:  21,  22).     Many  others  might  be  noticed. 

The  Orderly  Ten. 

Does  ten  stand  for  perfection  in  anything? 

Ten  signifies  the  highest  order  in  government. 
Spiritual  order  is  just  as  essential  as  spiritual  per- 
fection in  grace.  As  five  makes  orderly  grace,  twice 
five  marks  orderly  government  in  that  grace.  There 
are  ten  virgins,  five  represent  empty  man  and  five 
stand  for  grace  in  spiritualities ;  five  were  Spirit- 
filled,  hence  ready  for  the  Bridegroom.  "  The  Lord's 
prayer  is  completed  in  ten  clauses."  Ten  symbolizes 
the  closing  of  Antichrist's  world-empire    (Rev.  21). 


30  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

It  would  require  many  pages  to  get  all  that  is  given 
in  God's  orderly  ten. 

"  The  Disorderly  Eleven." 

Is  it  possible  that  disorder  has  its  number? 

Assuredly !  Only  a  few  can  be  given  here.  Eleven 
dukes  of  Edom  (descendants  of  Esau,  the  birth- 
right seller)  (Gen.  36:  40-43).  Eleven  sons  of  Jacob 
disorganized  Jacob's  family.     "  One  is  not." 

From  Horeb  to  Kadesh  was  eleven  days'  journey, 
the  twelfth  day  would  have  seen  them  in  Canaan. 
Eleven  was  rebellious.  Zedekiah  reigned  eleven  years, 
then  was  taken  to  Babylon  by  Nebuchadnezzar. 
Jehoiakim  reigned  eleven  years  and  ruined  Judah. 
Jesus  was  crucified  in  the  thirty-third  year  of  his 
life  (3x11),  and  not  all  things  are  yet  put  under  his 
feet.  "  He  was  cut  off  "  (Dan.  9 :  26  and  Heb.  2:8). 
Ephraim,  the  offending  tribe,  who  made  the  image 
with  eleven  hundred  shekels  and  was  stolen  by  Dan 
(Micah),  are  omitted  in  the  national  sealing  in  Rev. 
7,  but  obtain  their  land  blessing  (Ezek.  48:  1,  5) 
with  the  other  ten  tribes.    Let  us  now  pass  on  to 

The  Perfect  Twelve. 

In  what  is  this  number  found? 

"  It  is  found  as  a  multiple  in  all  that  has  to  do  with 
rule."  The  day-ruler,  the  sun ;  the  moon  that  rules 
the  night ;  the  stars  which  aid  the  moon  do  so  by  their 
passage  through  the  twelve  signs  of  the  zodiac,  which 
complete  the  great  circle  of  the  heavens  in  12x30 
days.  The  twelve  tribes,  twelve  apostles,  the  twelve 
foundations  of  the  New  Jerusalem,  the  twelve  gates, 
twelve  pearls,  and  twelve  angels  are  treated  in  chapter 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  31 

22.  Surely  the  order  of  number  in  natural  and 
spiritual  worlds  is  most  wonderfully  interesting  to 
the  believer.  We  regret  our  space  forbids  a  further 
most  pleasurable  pursuit  of  this  great  system  of 
God's  making. 

Thirteen  has  been  considered. 

Fourteen,  being  twice  seven,  "  partakes  of  its  sig- 
nificance ;  and  being  double  seven,  implies  a  double 
measure  of  spiritual  perfection." 

Fifteen  is  three  times  five,  which  is  the  number  of 
grace;  and  three  times  grace  expresses  increased 
energy  of  God  to  save  man. 

Seventeen  is  the  seventh  of  the  prime  numbers. 
Seventeen  intensifies  seven.  With  the  seven,  or 
spiritual  perfection,  and  seventeen  we  have  before  us 
the  perfection  of  spiritual  order.  There  is  spiritual 
order  which  always  connects  with  spiritual  perfec- 
tions, and  to  deny  the  order  is  to  deny  God's  perfect 
system  of  worship. 

Nineteen  "  denotes  the  perfection  of  order  con- 
nected with  judgment.  Eve  and  Job  have  to  do  with 
nineteen." 

Twenty  is  double  ten.  It  is  short  of  one  in  twenty- 
one,  3x7.  Twenty  years  (Gen.  21 :  38,  41).  Twenty 
years  Israel  (Judges  4:  3;  15:  20;  16:  31).  Twenty 
years  the  ark  (1  Sam.  7:2).  Twenty  years  Solomon 
(1  Kings  9:  10).  Twenty  years  Jerusalem,  between 
its  capture  and  destruction. 

Twenty-two  equals  disorganization.  Israel's  worst 
kings  dealt  in  this  number  (1  Kings  14:  20;  1  Kings 
16:  20).    Eleven  signifies  an  addition  to  Divine  order 


32  THE   OPEN   WAY  INTO 

(10)  and  subtraction  from  Divine  organized  perfec- 
tion  (12). 

Twenty-four  (2x12)  denotes  the  perfection  and 
order  of  the  heavenly  government,  which  is  a  copy  of 
that  given  to  Israel  and  probably  of  that  given  to  the 
church. 

Twenty-five  is  five  times  five,  a  great  multiplica- 
tion of  GRACE. 

Twenty-seven  is  3x3x3,  and  as  three  stands  for 
Father,  Son  and  Holy  Spirit,  twenty-seven  extends 
the  values  of  the  Trinity  into  marvelous  values. 

This  pleasant  study  could  be  pursued  on  to  Satan's 
666  and  to  Jesus'  888  with  profit,  but  space  inter- 
feres and  the  subject  must  close  here.  God  has  built 
his  religious  system  upon  most  wonderful  numbers. 
Both  expression  and  meaning  of  words  carry  with 
them  numbers,  and  often  by  numbers  one  gets  the 
meaning  of  God  for  either  joy  or  grief. 

STUDY  SIX 

Ages  or  Dispensations. 

What  is  an  age  or  dispensation? 

"  An  age  or  dispensation  is  a  period  of  time  during 
which  man  is  tested  in  respect  to  obedience  to  some 
specific  revelation  of  the  will  of  God."  Seven  such 
dispensations  are  distinguished  in  Scripture. 

Name  them  in  order,  when  they  began  and  when 
they   ended  or  end, 

The  First  Age,  Innocency. 

Adam  and  Eve  were  created  in  innocency,  given  a 
garden,  amply  supplied  for  all  their  needs,  and  sur- 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  33 

rounded  by  perfections.  One  simple  test  was  given 
them  (Gen.  2:  16,  17).  The  dispensation  ended  after 
they  transgressed  God's  law  (Gen.  1).  1.  They 
doubted  God's  benevolence  (Gen.  3:  1).  2.  Eve 
tempted  and  her  addition  to  the  Word  (Gen.  3:3). 
3.  The  first  lie  to  Eve  (Gen.  3:  4).  4.  The  pride  of 
appetite  by  Eve  (Gen.  3:  5).  5.  Eve's  action  and 
fall  (Gen.  3:  6).  Opened  eyes — a  fraud  was  per- 
petrated on  Eve's  mind.  The  age  ended  in  the  judg- 
ment of  expulsion  from  the  garden. 

What  constituted  the  Second  Age? 

It  is  known  as  the  age  of  conscience,  and  extends 
from  the  expulsion  from  the  garden  to  the  judgment 
of  the  flood  (Gen.  7).  Conscience  was  the  ruling 
element  (Gen.  3;  23  to  Gen.  7:  23;  Rom.  2:  15). 
The  civilization  was  Cainitic  in  origin  and  character 
and  ended  in  the  judgment  of  the  flood. 

How  did  the  Third  Age  begin  and  end? 

The  Third  Age  began  with  Noah  and  is  known  as 
human  government.  It  was  "  government  by  man  for 
man."  It  has  full  powers  to  take  life  judicially. 
"  Whoso  sheddeth  man's  blood,  by  man  shall  his 
blood  be  shed"  (Gen.  9:  6).  The  age  ended  in  the 
judgment  of  confusion  of  tongues  at  the  tower  of 
Babel.  Tongues  have  been  confused  ever  since.  The 
evils  of  one  age  are  carried  forward  through  succeed- 
ing ages. 

How  and  where  did  the  Fourth  Age  begin  and  end? 

It  began  at  Abraham,  through  whom  God  chose  a 
distinct  people  to  produce  a  Savior  for  mankind  in 
harmony  with  Gen.  3:  15.    It  is  known  as  the  Age  of 


34  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Promise  (Gen.  12:  1-3).  It  ended  at  the  giving  of 
the  Law  at  Sinai,  the  judgment  in  Egypt  having  been 
passed    (Ex.   19:  8). 

Describe  the  Fifth  Age. 

The  Fifth  Age  began  when  the  Law  was  given  to 
Moses  and  ended  in  the  judgment  of  the  Cross.  The 
Law  was  simply  "  an  intermediary  discipline  until  the 
seed  should  come"  (Gal.  3:  19-29). 

Where  and  what  .is  the  Sixth  Age? 

We  are  in  it  now.  It  began  at  the  Cross  and  will 
end  in  the  judgment  of  the  man  of  sin,  or  the  man 
in  whom  will  center  the  spirit  of  Antichrist  and  the 
placing  of  Satan  in  the  pit  (Rev.  19:  20  and  20:  10). 

Since  the  key  to  prophecy  is  Israel  begun,  de- 
veloped, dispersed  and  restored,  let  us  learn  more 
about  the  Age  of  Promise. 

When  was  the  promise  made  to  Abraham? 

About  B.  C.  1995.  Abraham  was  the  tenth  from 
Shem,  who  was  the  son  of  Noah.  A  new  adminis- 
tration was  begun  by  Jehovah,  involving  the  Word 
becoming  flesh,  full  of  Grace  and  Truth. 

Name  the  seven  or  perfect  parts  of  the  promise 
made  to  Abraham. 

(1)  Promise  of  a  great  nation  (Gen.  13:  16;  John 
8:  39;  Rom.  9:  7,  8;  Gal.  3 :  6,  7,  29). 

(2)  "  I  will  bless  thee"  (Gen.  24:  34,  35;  John  8: 
36). 

(3)  "  Make   thy  name   great." 

(4)  "Thou  shalt  be  a  blessing"  (Gal.  3:  13,  14). 

(5)  "I  will  bless  them  that  bless  thee." 

(6)  "  I  will  curse  them  that  curse  thee."  How 
•aiany  have  suffered  because  they  dealt  harshly  with 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  35 

Israel?  And  worse  woes  are  promised  to  those  na- 
tions that  will  yet  deal  illy  with  Abraham's  seed 
(Deut.  30:  7;  Isa.  14:  1,  2;  Joel  3:  1-8;  Micah  5: 
7-9;  Zech.  14:  1-3;  Matt.  25:  40,  45). 

(7)  All  nations  will  be  blessed  through  Abraham. 
This  is  the  evangelical  promise  to  the  gospel  mis- 
sionaries (Gal.  3:  16;  John  8:  56-58).  This  age  ex- 
tends into  the  Fifth  Age,  the  Age  of  Law,  and  then 
going  on  with  blessings  at  the  Cross.  It  consummates 
in  the  Seventh  Age. 

The  Seventh  Age  begins  at  Christ's  next  arrival 
on  earth  to  occupy  his  throne,  to  govern  the  earth 
for  one  thousand  years,  and  when  all  evil  has  been 
put  under  his  feet  or  destroyed,  he  will  give  the 
kingdom  up  to  his  Father,  and  that  age  will  end  in 
complete  triumph.  Only  glory  will  then  shine  forth 
for  ever  and  ever. 

What  do  we  meet  here  again  that  stamps  God  as 
being  spiritually  perfect? 

We  meet  the  number  seven  again.  Since  the  Is- 
raelites were  men  they  were  involved  in  five  (Grace) 
and  God's  seven  or  Perfection.  Five  plus  seven  are 
twelve,  which  stands  for  perfect  government. 

STUDY  SEVEN 
Dispensation  of  Grace  and  Truth. 

The  key  text  of  this  age  is  Titus  3 :  4,  7 : 

"  But  when  the  kindness  of  God  our  Savior  and  his 
love  for  man  were  revealed,  he  saved  us,  not  in  conse- 
quence of  any  righteous  actions  we  had  done,  but  in  the 
execution  of  his  merciful  purposes,  by  that  washing 
which  was  a  new  birth  to  us,  and  by  the  renovating  pow- 
er of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  he  poured  out  upon  us  abun- 
dantly  through   Jesus    Christ   our   Savior.     For   his   inten- 


36  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

tion  was  that,  when  by  his  gracious  help  we  should  stand 
right  with  him,  we  should,  in  the  fulfillment  of  our  hopes, 
become  possessors  of  enduring  life." 

When  did  grace  and  truth  begin  as  an  Age? 

Since  there  is  always  a  preliminary  in  new  admin- 
istrations, officially  the  Sixth  Age  began  with  the 
death  and  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  (Rom.  3:  21, 
22;  8:  4,  and  Philpp.  3:9). 

What  does  God  give  to  penitent  man? 

He  gives  him  Christ's  righteousness,  both  by  im- 
plication and  by  application  (Rom.  8:4).  Grace  con- 
nects with  faith  and  obedience  of  the  penitent. 

What  is  the  test  of  the  believer  in  the  age  of  grace 
and  truth? 

The  test  of  the  believer's  faith  is  his  willingness  to 
believe  the  whole  of  every  message  of  God.  In  his 
approach  to  God,  the  sinner  must  connect  with  Jesus 
as  Jesus  connected  officially  with  his  Father  (Matt. 
3:  15,  16).  In  his  service  to  God  he  must  observe 
the  "  all-things  whatsoever  "  Jesus  commands  in  the 
New  Testament.  The  service  of  God  is  prescribed  in 
the  Book  of  God. 

The  Seventh  Age  or  Dispensation. 

This  is  revealed  as  the  ACTIVE  KINGDOM  of 
the  Messiah,  or  the  one  thousand  years'  reign  of 
Christ  on  the  renovated  earth. 

What  shall  that  kingdom  present  to  its  subjects? 

This  is  "  the  last  of  the  seven  ordered  ages  in  which 
human  life  is  conditioned  on  earth."  It  embraces 
Jesus'  reign  upon  earth  as  King-priest  and  his  saints 
as  helpers  in  the  King-priesthood,  during  the   Mil- 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  37 

lennial  Age  or  period  of  universal  peace.  Let  us  pro- 
ceed to  develop  this  within  the  scope  of  the  Bible  as 
we  are  on  the  open  way  through  the  book  of  Revela- 
tion. 

Endings. 
Briefly  what  ends  before  that  age  comes  into  view? 

(1)  Every  kind  of  oppression  and  misrule  ends  in 
gracious  judgment  (Isa.  11:  3,  4). 

(2)  The  time  to  witness  for  Jesus  among  nations 
has  closed  (Matt.  25:  31-46;  Acts  17:  30,  31;  Rev. 
20:  7-15). 

(3)  The  time  of  obedience  in  the  fleshly  bodies  of 
saintship  ends  in  glorious  spiritualities  (2  Thess.  1 : 
6,7). 

(4)  The  sufferings  of  God's  people  terminate  in 
glory   (Rom.  8:  17,  18). 

(5)  Israel's  blindness  as  a  nation  and  her  world- 
wide sufferings  end  in  national  restoration  of  the 
land  and  religious  worship  (Rom.  11 :  25-27,  and  two 
hundred  similar  passages). 

(6)  That  Consuming  Stone  (Christ)  "  cut  out  with- 
out hands,"  becomes  a  "  great  mountain,"  "  fills  the 
whole  earth"  (Dan.  2:  44,  45),  and  will  smite  the 
image  in  justice.  Mankind  will  not  have  a  ready- 
made  kingdom  to  present  unto  Christ,  but  when  he 
arrives  he  will  put  the  one  he  is  now  making  into 
active  operation.  It  will  be  a  heavenly-made  king- 
dom. He  no  more  depends  upon  the  people  of  the 
globe  to  get  one  ready  for  him  than  he  depends  on 
man  to  prepare  ways  for  salvation.  Men  are  saved 
by  his  blood;  his  kingdom  will  be  an  active  one  by 
virtue  of  that  same  blood. 


38  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

(7)  Creation's  groaning  and  earth  slavery  end  in 
sure  deliverance,  because  "  the  sons  of  God  will  be 
made  manifest  to  all"  (Isa.  11:  6-8;  Rom.  8:  19, 
21).  Here  again  are  seven  occurrences  or  endings 
prior  to  the  reign  of  Christ.  Much  rubbish  will  have 
to  be  cleared  away. 

STUDY  EIGHT 

Throne  Movements. 

Assuming  that  Jesus  has  gone  from  the  introduc- 
tion of  the  second  creation,  of  light,  love  and  life 
manifestations  on  earth,  to  the  holy  of  holies  in 
heaven,  shall  we  now  turn  to  view  him  from  the 
Father's  throne  as  to  future  movements  upon  the 
earth  ? 

Human  need  having  been  provided  for  the  Con- 
quering Word  ascended  into  heaven,  and  in  like  man- 
ner will  come  again — not  as  a  Babe  in  Bethlehem, 
but  as  the  King-Judge  to   rule  over  the  people. 

Can  we  now  view  him  from  the  throne? 

All  that  he  can  be  is  described  in  the  first  chapter. 

Son  of  Man  Chapter. — I 

What  does  the  Book  of  Revelation  say  as  to  itself? 

It  says  that  it  is  "  The  Revelation  of  Jesus  Christ, 
which  God  gave  unto  him"   (Jesus  Christ). 

What  for? 

"  To  show  unto  his  servants  things  which  must 
shortly  take  place. 

Why  do  men  call  the  book  "  Revelations  of  John  "  ? 

Perhaps  because  they  know  no  better — do  not  know 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  39 

it  is  "  The  Revelation  of  Jesus  Christ,"  given  by  God, 
and  not  "  a  revelation  by  Jesus  Christ  to  John." 

What  is  meant  by  revelation? 

It  means  an  uncovering,  making  known,  unveiling 
— not  covering  up,  not  sealing  or  hiding,  but  giving 
out  to  men,  knowledge  free  and  pure. 

How  did  God  get  it  to  John? 

"  He  sent  and  revealed  it  by  his  angel  to  John  " 
(1:  1). 

What  did  John  do  with  the  revelation? 

He  testified  to  God's  Message  and  to  the  testi- 
mony of  Jesus  Christ. 

Did  he  omit  anything? 

He  omitted  nothing  of  what  he  saw  and  heard  (1 : 
2). 

Could  he  be  a  good  preacher  that  way? 

To  preach  all  is  the  only  way  to  be  a  truthful  and 
competent  preacher  for  Christ. 

What  does  John  say  about  such  as  love  the  Lord? 

"  Happy  is  the  READER,  and  happy  are  those  who 
LISTEN  to  the  words  of  this  prophecy,  and  LAY  TO 
HEART  what  is  here  written." 

And  more :  THE  TIME  IS  NEAR  (1:3). 

Who  addressed  John  as  having  all  authority? 

"I  am  Alpha"  (The  First)  "and  Omega"  (The 
Last),  says  the  Lord  God  who  IS  and  WAS  and 
WILL  BE,  the  Almighty  (1:8). 

What  was  John's  condition  at  the  time? 
"  He  was  in  a  trance  on  the  Lord's  Day." 


40  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

What  is  the  trance  state? 

The  word  is  from  transitus,  equal  to  the  word 
passage:  hence  a  passing  over.  It  signifies  a  passing 
out  of  the  body;  to  be  rapt  in  vision;  in  ecstasy. 
John  had  no  hindrance  just  then.  Satan  also  works 
by  trances.     He  copies   God's  things  to  deceive. 

John  Begins  the  Study. 

What  did  he  hear  behind  him? 

A  great  voice,  like  the  blast  of  a  trumpet. 

What  did  the  great  trumpet  voice  say? 

"  Write  what  you  see  in  a  book  and  send  it  to  the 
seven  churches  at  Ephesus,  Smyrna,  Pergamos, 
Thyatira,  Sardis,  Philadelphia,  Laodicea  (1:  10,  11). 

John's  New  Vision. 

(a)   The  Glory,   (b)   The  Grace   (1:  12-19). 
What  do   the  seven  gold  lamps  stand  for  in   the 
glorified  Christ? 

Gold  symbolized  stands  for  power,  strength, — 
Deity  in  manifestatation  (Ex.  25:  3)  and  worth.  The 
seven  lamps  indicate  perfection  among  the  seven 
churches  named.  Christ  is  ever  in  the  midst  of  his 
churches. 
Spiritual  Elements  Portrayed. 

With  what  was  Christ  clothed? 

Clothed  with  a  garment  down  to  the  foot.  Garment 
is  symbolical  of  divine  righteousness  (Rev.  19:  8). 
God  clothed  Jesus  with  his  own  right  actions. 

What  does  the  band  of  gold  across  his  breast  stand 
for? 

Gold,  used  as  a  symbol,  expresses  Deity  in  mani- 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  41 

festation ;  divine  glory,  strength,  wisdom,  power. 
These  are  in  fulness  in  our  Mediator.  "  Girded 
about."  This  signifies  that  Jesus  on  the  throne  is 
exceedingly  valuable  to  humanity. 

Describe  the  meaning  of  "  hair  like  wool "  and 
"  snow  "  and  eyes  like  fire  flames. 

White  like  wool  signifies  great  dignity,  and  snow 
great  freshness  and  purity,  having  spiritual  elements 
— watchfulness,  exercising  justice  and  righteous  gov- 
ernment   (Zech.   15:   10). 

Why  is  Jesus'  feet  on  his  Father's  throne  compared 
to  fine  brass? 

Brass,  symbolically  in  Scripture,  signifies  judgment 
(Num.  21 :  6-9),  and  a  people  impudent  in  sin  as  in 
Isa.  48 :  4 ;  great  strength  as  in  Dan.  2 :  30 ;  duration 
and  immutability,  as  in  Zech.  6:1.  In  verse  15  of 
this  chapter  the  word  brass  has  in  it  rather  the  idea 
of  au-ri-chal-cum  or  ori-chalch,  meaning  a  mixture 
of  metals  having  the  appearance  of  brass.  Jesus  will 
be  like  brass, — shut  up  heavens  (Deut.  28:  23)  to  the 
impenitent   at   his   coming. 

Why  is  his  voice  like  many  waters? 

Waters  stand  for  great  good  when  clear.  "  Many 
waters  "  indicates  extensive  reach  of  voice.  As  the 
voice  was  in  (came  from  the)  front  the  vision  is 
that  of  coming  events.  Jesus'  voice  in  its  strength 
signifies  many  have  gone  out  of  the  way  and  Jesus 
has  ability  to  call  them  back. 

Why  were  "  seven  stars  "  in  his  right  hand? 

"  Stars "  are  angels  or  helpers  of  the  churches. 
See  verse  20.     Jesus  holds  his  helpers  close  to  him. 


42  THE   OPEN    WAY   INTO 

If  two  or  three  gather  together  in  his  name  he  is  in 
their  midst    (Matt.   18:  20). 

Describe  the  "  two-edged  sword "  going  out  of 
Jesus'  mouth. 

This  is  a  two-edged  Word-sword.  Sword  is  used 
as  a  symbol  of  judgments  in  Deut.  31 :  41.  It  here 
gives  evidence  that  Jesus,  as  Judge,  has  ample  power 
and  authority  over  the  earth.  Jesus,  when  on  the 
earth  as  the  Sacrificer,  gave  out  "  words  "  of  promise 
to  the  penitent  and  "  words "  of  judgment  to  the 
impenitent.  This  Word  is  "  the  two-edged  sword  " 
(Heb.  4:  12). 

Why  so  great  a  countenance? 

Countenance  stands  for  love  and  favor  (Psa.  4:6). 
Its  intense  brightness  is  a  symbol  of  tremendous  glory 
(Luke  9:  29).  At  his  coming  to  reign  on  earth,  his 
countenance  will  be  very  strong.  Who  can  stand  in 
his  presence?  Only  those  who  have  equal  glory 
with  him  (John  17:  24)  ! 

What  was  John  commanded  to  write? 

Things  he  had  seen:  things  which  were  then:  things 
which  were  to  come  after  that  time ;  that  is,  things 
that  were  yet  future. 

Summary. 

Christ  exalted  and  officially  a  Mediator  upon  his 
Father's  throne  (Rev.  3:  21)  embraces  the  dignities 
and  powers  of  having  deity,  strength,  perfections, 
righteousness,  glory,  wisdom,  purity,  watchfulness, 
justice,  mercy,  love,  immutability,  foresight,  vision 
without  limit,  and  authority  until  all  enemies  are  put 
under  God's  feet.  He  alone  can  bring  lasting  vic- 
tory. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  43 


STUDY  NINE 

Church  Chapter. — II 

(Ephesus,  Smyrna,  Pergamos,  Thyatira) 
The  Things  Which  Are. 

What  are  the  things  to  which  John  alludes? 

The  things  are  those  which  may  be  found  in  chap- 
ters two  and  three. 

Jesus  says  he  walks  in  the  midst  of  the  churches, 
and  he  surely  found  in  this  first  investigation  con- 
siderable that  could  not  pass  as  spiritual.  Ephesus  is 
located  on  the  Cayster  River,  near  the  Isarian  Sea, 
between  Smyrna  and  Miletus.  Its  trade  and  com- 
merce was  extensive.  It  was  the  capital  of  Ionia  as 
well  as  of  all  Asia  Minor  under  the  Roman  Govern- 
ment. Many  Jews  became  Christians  in  the  time  of 
Paul's   ministry. 

The  Seven  Particulars  in  Each  Church. — Here  we 
again  find  the  sevenfold  characteristic  in  each  congre- 
gation.    Note  each  with  care. 

(1)  Each  is  addressed  specifically,  "  Unto  the  angel 
of  the  church." 

(2)  Each  is  approached  by  Christ  by  some  attri- 
bute of  his,  as  "  he  that  holdeth  the  seven  stars  in  his 
right  hand."  He  holds  the  angels  of  the  churches  in 
his  power. 

(3)  The  knowledge  of  the  Examiner,  Christ.  To 
each  he  says,  "  I  know  thy  works." 

(4)  A  very  clear  description  of  the  condition  of 
each    church.      As   he   knew   those   churches,    so   he 


44  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

knows  the  inner  condition  of  each  local  assembly 
over  the  world.  Wherever  praise  or  promise  were 
necessary  he  gave  it. 

(5)  To  each  Jesus  alluded  to  his  coming  again; 
as,  "  I  will  come  unto  thee  again  quickly  "  ;  or,  "  I 
will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life." 

(6)  To  each  he  gives  a  command  to  hear — to 
obey  him.  And  in  each  case  the  direction  is  to 
"  hear  what  the  Spirit  says." 

(7)  To  each  believer  he  specifically  points  out  what 
shall  be  the  reward.  There  are  seven  rewards,  (a) 
Overcomers  shall  have  access  to  eat  of  the  tree  of 
life,  (b)  Overcomers  shall  not  be  hurt  of  second 
death,  (c)  Overcomers  shall  eat  of  hidden  manna 
and  receive  new  name  in  white  stone,  (d)  Over- 
comers shall  have  power  over  nations,  (e)  Over- 
comers shall  be  clothed  in  white  raiment,  (f)  Over- 
comers shall  be  made  a  pillar  in  temple  of  God.  (g) 
Overcomers  shall  sit  with  Christ  on  his  throne.  Here 
are  seven  within  seven,  signifying  intense  felicities, 
the  utmost  in  joys. 

The  Message  to  Ephesus. 

"  The  things  which  are,"  the  seven  churches. 
Typically  this  church  stands  for  the  church  in  gen- 
eral for  the  first  one  hundred  years. 

In  her  godly  fruits  was  she  acceptable  to  Christ? 

Certainly.  Godly  fruits  go  in  heaven.  She  had 
works,  labor,  patience,  and  hatred  of  evil,  borne  with 
those  who  said  they  were  apostles  but  were  not,  and 
had  not  fainted  or  swooned.  The  same  precious 
principles  still  exist  among  the   faithful  believers. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  45 

What  were  her  derelictions? 

She  had  lost  her  "  first  love."  Her  need  was  re- 
pentance. The  loss  of  first  love  has  run  on  through 
Christianity  ever  since.  Many  have  fallen  away  from 
"  first  love."  Second  love  has  no  value  with  God. 
With  him  it  must  be  FIRST  always. 

What  false  doctrine  was  tolerated  or  winked  at? 

The  deeds  of  the  Nicolaitans.  This  God  "  hates  " 
because  it  is  literal  division  instead  of  spiritual  unity. 
Observe  how  readily  division  gathered  itself  together 
in  the  very  first  Gentile  church. 

What  is  Nicolaitanism? 

Dr.  C.  I.  Scofield,  in  his  "  Reference  Bible,"  gives 
such  a  clear  exposition  of  Nicolaitanism  that  I  quote 
it  entirely  as  an  answer :  "  Nikao,  to  conquer,  and 
laos,  the  people,  or  '  laity.'  There  is  no  ancient  au- 
thority for  a  sect  of  Nicolaitanes.  If  the  word  is 
symbolic  it  refers  to  the  earliest  form  or  notion  of 
a  priestly  order,  or  clergy,  which  later  divided  an 
equal  brotherhood  (Matt.  23:  8)  into  priests  and 
laity.  What  in  Ephesus  were  deeds  (2 :  6)  had  be- 
come in  Pergamos  a  doctrine   (Rev.  2:   15)." 

A  careful  study  of  Mosheim's  "  Ecclesiastical  His- 
tory," pp.  37  to  41,  and  A.  H.  Newman's  "  Manual 
of  Church  History  "  will  show  how  simple  were  the 
lives  of  the  first  century  Christians.  They  did  not 
carry  their  educational  and  other  humanly-made 
titles  into  the  church  affairs.  "  However  distin- 
guished they  were  by  worldly  rank  and  titles,  an 
amiable  harmony  and  perfect  equality  marked  their 
fellowship." 


46  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

1.  The  Word  to  Smyrna  (2:  8-11).  Typically  what 
period  does  Smyrna  cover? 

From  the  beginning  of  the  great  persecutions  to 
A.  D.  316.  The  very  word  Smyrna  means  suffering. 
In  this  church  lived  Polycarp,  the  great  Bible  stu- 
dent, the  mighty  Holy  Ghosted  warrior  of  Jesus. 
He  and  twelve  others  were  put  to  death  the  same 
day.  Germanicus  and  others  were  lacerated  by  stripes 
until  the  very  nerves  and  veins  were  laid  open ;  then 
they  were  rolled  over  potsherds  and  rough  sea  shells 
to  increase  their  pain.  These  were  but  a  few  of  the 
many  who  suffered  at  Smyrna  and  elsewhere.  The 
word  myrrh  is  in  the  word  Smyrna,  and  myrrh  means 
suffering. 

What  were  the  commendable  things  in  the  Smyrna 
church? 

She  had  works,  tribulation  (threshings),  poverty, 
faith  and  grace.  Equally  she  had  Jewish  blasphem- 
ers, and  a  school  of  Satan  claiming  their  attention. 
Where  will  Satan  not  start  a  school?  The  promise 
was  greater  than  Satan :  "  Be  thou  faithful  unto 
death  and  I  will  GIVE  thee  a  crown  of  life." 

"  The  Message  to  Pergamos." 

What  period  of  Christianity  does  Pergamos  cover 
typically,  and  what  are  her  blessings? 

The  church  stands  for  imperial  favor — a  people 
working  with  the  world  and  courting  favor  with  dig- 
nitaries who  are  not  in  Christ.  Perhaps  when  they 
found  something  pleasing  in  human  governments  they 
readily  compromised  their  doctrines.  The  very  word 
means  "  tower,"  or  marriage  to  the  world. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  47 

Are  there  professing  Christians  and  even  whole 
bodies  married  to  worldly  plans,  methods,  doctrines, 
forms,  fashions,  filthy  business,  oppressing  the  poor 
in  almost  sleight  of  hand,  and  secret  as  well  as  open 
ways? 

What  good  was  in  Pergamos?  She  denied  the 
faith,  held  fast  Jesus'  name,  were  called  Christians — 
even  suffering  faithful  Antipas  through  martyrdom. 
Satan  was  living  among  them.  He  had  rented  inter- 
ests. He  never  owns  anything.  He  squats  and  goes 
to  work. 

What  false  doctrines  were  heaping  up  among  them? 

Nicolaitanism  making  ranks  and  titles  among  them, 
causing  "  a  clergy  order  "  and  laity-body,  suggesting 
a  big  difference  between  an  official  and  a  non-official, 
killing  the  doctrine  of  word-equality. 
Balaamism. 

What  three  aspects  does  Balaamism  yet  corrupt 
Christianity? 

From  2  Peter  2:  14,  15  one  can  learn  about  this 
hurtful  doctrine.  He  stands  for  "  the  typical  hire- 
ling prophet"  (Num.  22:  5).  He  always  has  his 
hand  out  for  his  gifts.  He  is  ever  making  or  hunting 
a  market  for  his  intellectual  powers,  which  he  rates 
very  valuable.  He  goes  to  some  college  or  university, 
learns  some  pernicious  doctrine,  "  antimiraculous 
birth  of  Christ,  or  uselessness  of  atonement  of  Christ," 
or  some  other  "  beguilement  "  for  winning  unstable 
souls,  and  then  goes  out  offering  them  at  "  high 
prices."  This  is  the  way  of  Balaam  and  many  are 
on  that  way. 

The  error  of  Balaam  is  that  he  reasoned  (Num.  22: 


48  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

5)  that  if  God  was  righteous  at  the  time  he  ap- 
proached God  to  curse  Israel,  he  would  curse.  He 
was  wholly  ignorant  of  higher  morality  which  looked 
at  the  Cross,  "  by  which  he  could  be  a  Justifier  of 
the  believing  one."  Who  are  not  yet  destitute  of  this 
most  excellent  morality? 

The  "reward"  of  Balaam  is  money,  false  popu- 
larity, love  of  applause,  honor-seeking.  If  he  can 
get  the  world  and  church  to  marry  many  can  see  "  no 
harm  in  it."     But  there  is  awful  harm! 

What  was  the  admonition  to  the  Pergamans? 

"  Repent  or  else  God  will  come  quickly  "  with  the 
Word-sword. 

The  Word  to  Thyatira  Church. 

What  period  of  Christianity  does  Thyatira  cover 

typically? 

From  500  to  1500  A.  D.,  the  period  of  the  triumph 
of  Nicolaitanism,  Balaamism  and  Jezebelism.  Here 
a  new  doctrine  of  leaven  is  thrust  in.  Thyatira  and 
her  typical  period  suffered,  tolerated,  out  of  a 
spurious  love,  the  doctrine  of  Jezebel — the  admix- 
tures of  good  and  evil  all  under  the  guise  of  plausi- 
bility. No  wonder  it  was  a  "  Dark  Age."  No  wonder 
it  was  a  fearful  time  of  suffering  for  Jesus. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  49 


STUDY  TEN 

Church  Chapter  Two. — III 

(Sardis,    Philadelphia,    Laodicea) 
The  Word  to  Sardis. 

What  were  her  riches  and  what  period  of  time  does 
she   typically   cover? 

She  had  "  works "  ;  she  had  a  name  of  being 
"  alive  "  and  successful,  but  was  dead  to  God.  Some 
things,  however,  remained  to  her  credit,  and  these 
were  to  "  be  strengthened."  They  were  ready  to  die 
or  almost  gone.    She  fills  Luther's  period. 

The  Word  to  the  Philadelphia  Church. 

Name  the  values  of  this  church  and  her  typical 
use. 

Her  typical  values  are  in  the  great  fact  that  she 
stands  for  all  the  body  of  Christ  throughout  this  age. 
If  evil  and  good  in  the  other  churches  are  typical  of 
admixtures,  surely  Philadelphia  gives  us  joyous  hope 
of  victory  over  all  sin.  Before  this  people  is  an 
open  door,  which  is  always  symbolical  of  good  or 
escape  from  Satan.  "  The  little  strength "  and  the 
obedience  to  the  Word  count  much  for  fitness  to  enter 
into  the  New  Jerusalem.  All  disciples  are  being  kept 
by  the  Lord  Christ. 

The  Message  on  Final  Apostasy. 

Why  does  he  say  "  unto  the  church  of  the  Lao- 
diceans"  and  not  the  church  at  Laodicea? 

Because  the  apostles  have  lost  saintly  conditions, 


50  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

it  is  no  longer  the  church  at  Laodicea  but  the  church 
of  Laodicea.  This  embraces  every  lukewarm  Chris- 
tian wherever  he  may  be.  Not  at  but  of.  They  are 
worthy  of  being  "  spewed  out."  But  God  has  not 
abandoned  them.  He  yet  "  counsels  them  to  buy  of 
him  gold  tried  in  the  fire,  that  they  may  be  rich ; 
and  white  raiment,  that  they  may  be  clothed :  and 
that  the  shame  of  their  nakedness  may  not  appear." 
If  indeed  each  lukewarm  believer  would  anoint  his 
eyes  with  the  true  salve  he  could  readily  see !  Ac- 
cept 3 :  19  each  day !  Laodicea  has  passed  from 
her  seventh  state  into  her  eleventh  condition — she  is 
leavened  throughout ;  "  progressed  "  into  disorder. 

Jesus'  Attitude  to  the  Churches  (3:  20-22). 

What  is  Jesus  going  to  do  up  to  the  very  close  of 
the  church  age? 

He  will  still  be  knocking  at  the  sinner's  heart  to  let 
him  in !  He  still  will  want  to  sup  with  the  saved  sin- 
ner! 

And  what  is  the  most  momentous  promise  in  all 
the  book? 

"To  him  that  overcometh  [the  world]  will  I  grant 
to  SIT  WITH  ME  IN  MY  THRONE,  EVEN  AS 
I  ALSO  OVERCAME,  AND  AM  SET  DOWN 
WITH  MY  FATHER  ON  HIS  THRONE." 

Does  the  Holy  Spirit  lead  this  age? 

Notice  that  in  this  walk  in  the  midst  of  the  church- 
es (1:  13)  Jesus  puts  the  Spirit  in  the  front,  saying 
to  each  church :  "  He  that  hath  an  ear  [that  will  hear] 
let  him  hear  what  the  Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches." 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  51 

Brilliant  Efforts. 

Name  some  excellent  measures  to  bring  men,  wom- 
en and  children  to  Christ? 

First,  is  Bible  study  by  all  who  can.  In  many 
places  the  Bible  is  being  greatly  studied  by  old  and 
young.  Second,  the  Sunday-school  is  a  most  blessed 
institution  to  get  some  gracious  truths.  If  the  studies 
were  arranged  as  the  Holy  Spirit  gave  them  to  man- 
kind, instead  of  little  pieces  here  and  there,  very  dif- 
ficult to  remember,  much  more  would  result  in  favor 
of  conversion.  Third,  good  books  and  tracts  find 
their  way  into  human  hearts.  God  alone  knows  how 
much  good  they  carry  into  families.  Fourth,  notes 
and  expositions  on  Scripture  by  spiritual  women  and 
men.  Such  papers  as  the  Sunday  School  Times,  the 
quarterlies  of  various  kinds  that  teach  sound  doc- 
trine, religious  magazines  that  give  forth  no  uncertain 
sound  in  heralding  the  Gospel  as  it  is  and  ever  will 
be.  Perhaps  the  publishing  of  the  "  Good  News  "  of 
Christ's  return  to  earth  and  the  coming  wonders,  give 
more  true  hope  than  all  else.  People  can  not  get  all 
they  need  by  ever  looking  back.  They  are  en- 
titled to  look  forward.  Always  looking  at  the  past 
is  less  than  God  demands.  He  wants  us  to  view  the 
coming  events  and  a  glorified  Christ.  Why  should 
the  Christian  be  always  fed  on  the  ugly  past?  Will 
he  ever  be  a  finished  product,  as  God  wants  prod- 
ucts, unless  he  be  given  his  due  share  of  the  forward? 

While  we  do  not  teach  that  the  past  is  to  be  dis- 
carded, for  purchase  or  redemption,  and  resurrec- 
tion, and  many  other  great  doctrines  are  to  be  contem- 


52  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

plated,  are  not  the  HOPES  worthy  of  much  consider- 
ation ? 

"  Christ    hath    made    a    full    atonement, 
Now  his  saving  work  is  done; 
He  has  satisfied  the  Father, 
Who  accepts  us  in  the  Son. 

"  Still  upon  his  hands  the  nail  prints 
And  the  scars  upon  his  brow: 
Our  Redeemer,  Lord  and  Savior 
In  the  glory  sitteth  now. 

"  But  remember,  this  same  Jesus 
In  the  clouds  will  come  again, 
And  with  him  his  blood-bought  people 
Evermore  shall  live  and  reign." 

— Bible  Serial  Course. 

God,  we  who  write,  we  who  read,  thank  thee,  that 
times  past  are  times  past,  and  forever  past.  In  times 
past  the  believer  was  "  Dead  in  trespasses  and  sins." 
He  did  "  walk  according  to  the  course  of  this  age." 
He  did  walk  "  according  to  the  prince  of  the  power 
of  the  air."  But  now  "  we  are  washed,"  now  "  sanc- 
tified," now  "  justified  "  in  the  name  of  Lord  Jesus 
(1  Cor.  6:  11). 

STUDY    ELEVEN 

The  Throne  Chapter. — IV 

Contents. 

An  Open  Door  into  Heaven  (1-3).  An  Illustrious 
View  of  the  Throne-Sitter. — The  Golden  Crowned, 
White  Raiment  Elders  on  Sub-thrones  (4-5). — The 
Four  Living  Ones  Also  Enthroned  for  Great  Praise 
and  Representation  (6-8).     The  Worshiping  Delights 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  53 

of  All  Sub-throne  People  (9-11).     Compare  Ezek.  1 
and  Isa.  6. 

Into  the  Sevenfold  System. 

Having  gone  through  the  Seven  Churches  as  types 
or  symbols  of  the  Church  Age,  and  having  found  a 
sevenfold  phase  in  each  church,  we  pass  into  heavenly 
scenes  before  the  seals  which  are  open  to  permit  a 
view  of  the  closing  scenes  just  before  Christ  and  his 
glorified  saints  return  to  earth  to  reign  for  one  thou- 
sand years.  Seven  seals  reveal  seven  trumpets  and 
seven  trumpets  reveal  seven  bowls. 

What  is  the  purpose  of  God  to  give  the  people  of 
the  Church  Age  a  picture  of  prophecies  fulfilling ? 

That  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  Church  Age  might 
be  without  excuse  as  to  righteous  reckoning  in  judg- 
ment, and  to  encourage  believers  in  strong  hope 
(John  15:  21). 

Are  there  other  sevenfold  operations  within  the 
sevens  in  the  period  of  judgment? 

There  are ;  as  we  go  on  in  our  studies,  we  shall 
find  septiforms  within  septiforms,  thus  intensifying 
the  promises  of  righteousness  and  increasing  the  viv- 
idness of  judgment  scenes.  It  is  all  coming  so  that 
Jehovah  may  the  more  warn  Satan  and  all  intelli- 
gences of  the  fulness  of  sin  and  rebellion  (Heb.  10: 
31). 

What  was  John's  next  calling? 

He  next  saw  an  "  open  door  in  the  heavens."  A 
door  is  for  entrance ;  a  trumpetlike  voice  invited  him 
to  "  come  up." 


54  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

What  was  the  purpose  of  inviting  John  up  into 
heaven? 

To  "  SHOW  "  him  "  what  must  take  place."  Since 
the  purpose  was  to  show  John  what  MUST  TAKE 
PLACE,  it  was  not  to  look  BACKWARD  to  events 
but  forward;  to  those  yet  to  come  upon  the  earth  (4: 
1). 

But  is  not  heaven  within  man? 

There  may  be  "  heavenlies  within  man,"  but 
heavens  themselves  are  tremendous  realities.  If 
judgments  as  witnessed  in  Revelation  are  to  become 
realities,  as  they  surely  will,  then  who  shall  be  equal 
to  the  occasion  ?  Heavens  are  places :  heavens  are 
mighty  forces  with  mighty  intelligences, — powerful 
Beings,  entities  and  riches. 

Are  there  any  other  allusions  in  Scripture  concern- 
ing an  open  door  into  heaven? 

In  Ezekiel  1 :  1  he,  like  John,  saw  the  "  heavens 
opened"  so  that  he  saw  visions  of  God.  In  Acts  10: 
11  Peter  saw  heaven  opened  and  a  most  wonderful 
reality  came  before  him  out  of  heaven  and  not  out 
of  himself!  John  a  second  time  (Rev.  19:  11)  saw 
Jesus  in  his  regal  state  as  "  The  Word  of  God." 

Does  the  devil  ever  interfere  with  this  open  door  to 
heaven? 

He  does.  Since  he  is  prince  of  the  power  of  the 
air,  and  the  air  is  the  second  or  aerial  heaven,  or  the 
entity  around  the  globe,  Satan  has  access  to  any 
open  door  that  God  makes  to  let  his  own  through.  Of 
course   the  devil   interferes   and  would  prevent  any 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  55 

soul   or   Divine   Spirit    from   passing  through   if   he 
could  (Eph.  2:  2  and  5:  12). 

Since  he  gave  so  many  promises  to  overcomers  in 
this  age,  will  God  not  protect  all  overcomers  from  at- 
tacks of  Satan  in  the  passage  to  him? 

He  does  give  ample  protection.  He  took  Paul 
through,  who  knew  he  had  a  crown  laid  up,  a  life  of 
eternal  joys  due  him,  and  not  only  for  him  but  for 
all  who  love  Jesus'  appearing  (2  Tim.  4:7). 

Cleansing  the  Air. 

Since  Satan  is  the  "  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air," 
he  must  control  the  aerial  regions.  What  is  a  prince 
for  but  to  reign  or  rule  ?  Did  not  Jesus  say,  "  I  go  to 
prepare  a  place  for  you,"  believers  ?  What  was  wrong 
with  the  place  that  Jesus  had  to  go  and  cleanse  it,  get 
it  ready?  It  was  befouled  by  Satan.  Was  not  nearly 
everything  under  the  law  cleansed  by  blood?  The 
Spirit  says,  "  While,  then,  it  was  necessary  for  the 
copies  of  the  heavenly  realities  to  be  purified  by  such 
means  as  these,  the  heavenly  realities  themselves  re- 
quired better  sacrifices"  (Heb.  9:  22,  23). 

Did  any  one  go  up  into  heaven  through  an  open 
door? 

Stephen  saw  "  heaven  opened  "  and  Jesus  at  God's 
right  hand.  An  open  way  was  made  for  him  to  see 
glories.  Paul  went  up  into  the  third  heaven.  There 
was  a  WAY  for  him.  There  was  an  open  door  for 
John  to  go  up  (Rev.  4:1).  Satan  went  to  God  when 
the  sons  of  God  were  present  (Job  1:6).  Joshua 
stood  before  an  angel  and  Satan  stood  there  to  re- 
sist the  high  priest  (Zech.  3).     Satan  is  in  the  air  to 


56  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

resist  all  righteous  ones  who  want  to  pass  into  the 
third  heaven.  Jesus  will  have  Satan  cast  out  of  the 
aerial  heaven  before  he  comes  to  earth  with  all  his 
holy  angels.  Then  our  Lord  will  call  his  own  up 
through  that  aerial  heaven  to  be  married  to  himself. 
Before  saints  can  go  through  Jesus  will  cleanse  it. 
Satan  must  get  out.  Read  Revelation  and  learn  how 
he  will  be  put  out.  It  will  be  a  clean  place  to  go 
through.  Later  Jesus  will  come  to  earth  and  cleanse 
it,  to  stay  here. 

STUDY  TWELVE 

An  Open  Door. 

Concerning  the  rapture  of  the  saints,  as  taught  in 
i  Thess.  4:  16,  ij,  what  must  be  the  conclusion  as  to 
this  "  open  door  "  ? 

It  would  be  a  just,  clear  conclusion  that  as  Enoch 
went  into  heaven  through  an  open  door,  and  as  John 
was  invited  to  enter  heaven  through  an  open  door, 
the  church  will  go  through  that  door  when  called  up 
into  the  air  to  meet  the  Lord  (1  Thess.  4:  17). 
Enoch's,  Elijah's,  Christ's  and  John's  way  of  going 
into  heaven  was  a  type  of  the  church's  way  of  en- 
trance. 

What  was  the  voice  of  invitation  to  John  like? 

Like  a  "  trumpet,"  a  very  loud  invitation. 

Why  was  John  invited  "  up  hither "  ? 

To  be  shown  "  things  which  must  be  hereafter," 
or  hereafter  things  to  the  consummations. 

Where  did  the  institution  of  trumpets  begin? 

They  are  first  mentioned  officially  in  Lev.  28:  23- 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  57 

25.  On  the  first  day  of  the  seventh  month,  not  on  the 
seventh  day  of  the  seventh  month,  indicative  of  time 
of  call  to  worship,  "  shall  ye  have  a  sabbath,  a  me- 
morial of  blowing  of  trumpets,  an  holy  convocation," 
or  assembly.  This  stands  as  a  prophetical  type  of 
the  regathering  of  Israel  in  the  land,  yet  future. 

The  Fixed  Throne. 

Why  was  the  throne  set? 

A  new  administration  was  about  to  begin — a  fixed 
throne  came  in  view.  The  throne  was  seen  in  heaven ! 
So  will  the  bride  be  fixed  in  her  place  with  the 
Bridegroom. 

Who  was  on  the  throne? 

"  One  sat  on  the  throne."  Evidently  the  "  inde- 
scribable Godhead,"— OF  ONE  ENTITY,  but  three 
POWERS. 

What  was  the  appearance  of  the  Throne-sitter? 

"  Like  jasper  and  sardine  stone."  Both  these  gems 
are  very  precious  and,  combined,  present  a  "  beautiful 
bright,  red,  carnation  color."  It  takes  on  high  polish. 
Seis  says :  "  Uniting  the  qualities  of  tint  and  bril- 
liancy belonging  to  the  purer  specimens  of  these 
precious  gems,  we  have  the  appearance  of  flames, 
without  the  smokiness — a  pure,  purple,  fiery,  red, 
crystalline,  flashing  light." 

What  did  the  emerald  rainbow  signify? 

It  is  a  symbol  of  eternal  green,  a  picture  of  the 
eternal  Holy  Spirit,  ever  present  to  penetrate  the  in- 
most soul  recesses  and  keep  it  alive.  Rainbow,  or 
spiritual  bow,  conveys  the  idea  of  spiritual  peace,  di- 
vine everlastingness. 


58  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

The    Twenty-four    Enthroned    Representatives    in 
Heaven. 

What  may  be  learned  from  the  four  living  ones  and 
the  twenty-four  elders? 

The  four  living  creatures  are  representatives  of 
creation.  In  creation,  first  is  the  El  or  Elah,  God ; 
second  is  the  Word,  and  third,  the  Spirit,  who  joined 
in  the  creation.  The  result  is  the  fourth.  In  the  sym- 
bolism (Rev.  4),  these  four  appear  with  wisdom 
looking  forward  to  the  spiritualities  which  will  domi- 
nate in  the  New  Earth.  The  twenty- four  elders 
stand  for  Israel  and  the  church — twelve  Israel's  new 
triumphs  from  her  first  nationalism  to  the  completion 
of  that  body  as  the  cleansed  wife  of  Jehovah.  There 
is  one  representative  for  each  tribe.  The  church 
government  is  equally  represented  by  twelve  elders  or 
dignitaries.  O  God,  help  us  to  be  very  watchful  over 
our  faith,  lest  these  elders,  with  whom  saints  connect, 
should  be  grieved  through  the  same  Holy  Spirit  that 
controls  them  as  he  does  saints.  The  four  living 
ones  are  "  full  of  eyes,"  which  signify  just  govern- 
ment, in  national  or  church  affairs.  The  light  of  the 
body  is  the  eye  (Matt.  6 :  22).  The  Light  of  the  church 
is  Jesus,  the  Just  One.  Four  and  twelve  relate  to 
perfect  government,  God's  perfect  control.  Both 
Israel  and  the  church  are  not  only  measured  from 
heaven,  by  heaven,  but  all  their  unities  and  spirituali- 
ties are  associated  with  the  greatest  things  in  the  uni- 
verse. Oh,  how  careful  each  saint  should  be  in  his 
relation  to  church  government !  And  no  less  will  the 
twelve  be  associated  in  the  reign  of  Christ.  Israel 
will  have  the  twelve  apostles  for  their  helpers  (Matt. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  59 

19:  27-29).  Let  us  ever  go  up  to  heaven  for  our 
model  church  government. 

Are  the  four  and  the  twelve  on  sub-thrones,  which 
indicate  rulership,  a  symbol  of  church  rapture? 

Very  probable.  The  government  which  they  stand 
for  will  be  perfected  through  rewards  and  glories  by 
filling  up  every  promise  of  God  (Heb.  5:8;  Rom.  15 : 
26;  Rev.  2:  10;  1  Cor.  11:  25;  2  Tim.  4:  8;  1  Peter 
5:4;  Rev.  12:  1  and  15:  26).  The  heavenly  twenty- 
four  have  "  golden  crowns,"  hence,  are  princely  rulers. 

When  Jehovah  met  Moses  on  Mt.  Sinai  he  an- 
nounced his  presence  with  thunders  and  lightning 
and  a  voice  of  a  trumpet  (Exod.  19:  16;  1  Sam.  7: 
10 ;  Psa.  29 :  3) .  "  God  of  Glory  thundereth."  Some- 
times lightnings  signify  clashings  where  there  is  lack 
of  harmony  among  people.  Thunder  means  that 
things  are  being  shaken ;  that  they  are  out  of  the 
way  and  need  correction.  God  will  again  shake  the 
heavens  and  the  earth  because  they  are  yet  out  of 
harmony   (Heb.  12:  27). 

What  do  seven  lamps  or  torches  stand  for? 

As  these  are  before  the  throne  it  means  that  they 
are  working  forward  and  not  backward.  They  stand 
for  onward  movements.  Seven  lamps  stand  for  light 
or  enlightened  spiritual  government.  Hence,  the 
seven  or  complete  lamps  connect  with  open,  clear,  bril- 
liant government.  1  Kings  15:  4  sheds  light  upon 
this  passage.  Lamps  are  seven  Spirits  of  God;  each 
seven  connects  with  perfect  government. 


60  THE  OPEN  WAY  INTO 


STUDY  THIRTEEN 

Four  Beasts:    Preferably  Four  Living 
Ones  (4:  6-8) 

Vision  of  the  Enthroned  Godhead. 

What  may  be  learned  from  these  eye- filled,  six- 
winged  living  ones? 

Are  they  first  partners  of  the  great  multitude  in  the 
glorified,  celestial  dominion?  Are  they  not  in  full 
view  of  the  enthroned  Godhead,  and  do  they  not  par- 
ticipate in  all  redeemed  ceremonies?  The  first  living 
one  had  the  face  of  a  lion.  Judah  had  for  standard 
the  figure  of  a  lion  and  for  wings  the  tribes  of  Is- 
sachar  and  Zebulun.  The  face  of  the  second  living 
one  was  like  a  calf;  in  Israel  like  an  ox,  standing  for 
strength  and  meekness.  The  standard  of  Reuben  had 
the  face  of  an  ox,  and  for  wings  in  the  march,  had 
Simeon  and  Gad.  The  third  living  one  had  the  face 
of  a  man,  denoting  great  intelligence,  agreeing  with 
the  standard  of  Ephraim  on  the  west,  whose  wings 
were  Manasseh  and  Benjamin. 

The  fourth  living  one  was  like  a  flying  eagle.  Dan's 
standard  was  like  an  eagle  and  his  tribal  wings  were 
Asher  and  Naphtali.  These  tribal  arrangements  with 
their  standards  were  an  arrangement  of  God  in  per- 
fect harmony  with  the  powers,  intelligence,  and  favors 
of  the  four  living  creatures  around  the  throne.  That 
they  connect  and  have  to  do  with  Jehovah's  powers 
and  providences  is  most  probable. 

There  were  four  standards.    Four  is  the  number  of 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  61 

creation.  Twelve  is  the  number  of  governmental  per- 
fection. Israel  was  on  the  march  through  the  wil- 
derness, using  four  standards  in  the  way,  to  set  up  a 
perfect  government.  Governmental  creation  was  in 
view,  and  God  promised  to  lead  them  and  govern 
them,  but  they  preferred  man's  number  six,  without 
God  or  destitute  of  God. 

Living    heavenly    ones    connect    living    God    with 
regenerated  ones  on  earth.     Moses,  Isaiah,  Ezekiel, 
John  had  given  to  them  much  of  the  Divine  insight  by 
symbols. 
Out  of  the  Cloud. 

The  tornado-like  vision,  described  by  Ezek.  1 :  4, 
indicated  an  unusual  predictive  event.  Out  of  the 
"  cloud  "  came  the  likeness  of  four  living  creatures. 
These  four  living  ones  are  either  identical  or  typical 
of  the  four  living  ones  of  Rev.  4.  Each  had  four 
faces,  denoting  justice  and  holiness  in  a  fourfold 
sense;  severity  (Gen.  16:  15;  Psa.  68:  1;  Exod.  2: 
15;  John  2:6;  Psa.  34:  16;  Rev.  6:  16).  Cherubim 
were  connected  with  the  gate  of  Eden,  and  the  ark  of 
the  covenant;  they  stand  for  the  vindication  of  God's 
holiness,  and  righteous  judgment. 

What  is  the  work  of  seraphim? 

Seraphim  seem  to  have  to  do  with  men  as  to  their 
uncleanness  (Isa.  6:  27).  Seraphim  applied  figura- 
tively "  the  live  coal  "  to  the  prophet's  lips.  Perhaps 
they  connect  with  the  laver  in  the  law,  which  is  a 
type  of  the  feet  washing  of  John  13,  the  antitype  in 
practice. 

What  does  a  flying  eagle  denote? 

An  eagle  is  noted  for  its  swiftness,  its  great  vision ; 


62  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

its  strength  is  heavenly  and  an  angel,  like  an  eagle, 
has  mighty  missions  in  God's  new  administrations. 
Such  an  eagle-angel  has  great  official  power,  swift  to 
enforce  and  to  communicate,  strong  to  overcome. 
The  vision  is  ample ;  the  real  will  be  no  less  so. 

Executors  of  God's  Will. 

Who  is  God's  Chief  Executor? 

Jesus  Christ,  the  Lamb.     To  be  the  King-judge. 

Who  are  his  aids? 

The  four  living  ones  and  the  twenty-four  elders. 

Since  there  were  four  and  their  work  is  to  connect 
with  creation  in  material  and  spiritual  beginnings, 
they  are  ever  next  to  God's  throne.  And  as  already 
observed,  the  twenty-four  elders  embrace  the  positions 
and  perfections  of  the  government  of  Israel  and  the 
church — twelve  assigned  to  each  national  body;  Jesus 
Head  of  the  church  and  will  be  King  of  Israel.  The 
twenty-four  stand  for  pure  spiritual  perfect  govern- 
ments.   Each  national  body  will  get  golden  crowns. 

STUDY  FOURTEEN 
Character-forming. 

There  are  three  most  potent  things  that  consum- 
mate religious  character.  These  are  environment, 
knowledge,  hope.  Hope  is  made  up  of  desire  and  ex- 
pectation. Knowledge  removes  hurtful  ignorance  and 
puts  into  possession  of  power  for  good.  Environ- 
ment or  surroundings — whether  animate  or  inanimate 
— make  impressions  either  for  good  or  for  evil. 

These  three  avenues  are  entwined  about  divine 
prophecy.      "  All   things    that    I    have   heard   of   my 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  63 

Father,  I  have  made  known  unto  you,"  says  Jesus. 

Were  predictive  things  made  known? 

Jesus  further  says :  "  Learn  of  ME,  for  I  am  meek 
and  lowly  in  heart"  (Matt.  11:  28,  29).  Have  you 
accepted  this  kind  invitation?  Does  God  unfold  unto 
his  believers  the  great  secrets  of  his  purposes?  He 
certainly  does. 

Now,  since  environment,  knoivledge  and  hope  are 
the  three  most  powerful  channels  that  God  uses  to 
bring  us  into  the  most  genial  fellowship  with  him,  why 
not  secure  the  greatest  possible  knowledge  to  gain  the 
HOPE?  Get  the  details  which  plant  and  secure 
HOPE  in  the  soul !     They  come  through  prophecy. 

"  If  ye  then  be  risen  [into  the  new  life]  with  Christ, 
seek  those  things  which  are  above"  (Col.  3:  1). 
What  things  are  above?  Do  you  say:  "  Oh,  I  am  not 
concerned  about  what  is  to  come :  all  I  want  is  readi- 
ness, to  go  at  his  bidding.  All  I  want  is  to  get  to 
heaven  "  ?  If  you  were  contemplating  going  to  China 
to  live  would  you  go  heedless  of  environments,  asso- 
ciates, occupations,  hopes?  Would  you  inform  your- 
self before  going?  What  about  your  hopes ?  Would 
you  get  all  you  could  as  to  details  of  living  in  China? 
Just  so  about  your  going  to  heaven.  Would  not  a 
view  or  vision  of  what  is  promised  you  in  that  heaven 
gain  for  you  a  better  character,  a  wider  range  of  faith, 
more  expansive  hope  and  greater  experiences  and  no- 
bleness of   character? 

Would  not  a  knowledge  of  the  church's  mission  in 
heaven  and  on  earth,  the  occupations  of  saints,  the 
scope  of  coming  human  governments,  the  association 
of  angels,  the  presence  of  Jesus  Christ  on  his  earth- 


64  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

throne,  his  marriage  to  the  bride  in  heaven,  the  pro- 
motion of  yourself  to  a  priestly  office,  the  reigning  as 
king  with  Christ,  the  work  of  cherubim  and  seraphim, 
the  blessedness  of  eternal  peace  and  thousands  of 
other  celestial  and  heavenly  occupations,  observations, 
genialities,  and  felicities,  make  you  a  holy  character? 
They  would  be  helpful  in  right  living. 

Having  learned  that  what  Daniel  teaches  in  chapter 
7:  13,  14  is  identical  with  Rev.  5:  6-10,  we  are  ready 
to  pass  on  through  chapter  6,  noting  the  mighty  move- 
ments from  the  throne.  What  is  here  opened  affects 
the  people  of  the  earth;  it  is  an  all-around- the-globe 
movement,  no  more  simply  affecting  local  places,  but 
now  filling  up  in  all  the  parts. 

From  this  to  the  close,  whatever  is  evil  goes  on  to 
consummation,  heading  up  into  Satan  and  all  his  aids, 
terminating  in  the  doom-pit.  On  the  other  hand,  all 
the  good  emanating  from  God  heads  up  into  Christ, 
who  consummates  all  in  the  God  of  ALL  Power. 

What  is  the  difference  between  events  that  seemed 
to  have  filled  up  in  local  places  and  the  ones  men- 
tioned in  Daniel  J,  14  and  the  outlines  from  Rev.  6 
to  22? 

1.  Sometimes  man  is  taught  things  of  Jehovah  by 
adumbration,  or  a  faint  resemblance  of  Christ  as  the 
wisdom  of  heaven  (Pro v.  8:  22-36;  John  1 :  13;  Col. 
1:  17). 

2.  Again,  God  makes  known  his  will  in  many 
things  by  symbols,  types,  emblems — a  method  most 
beautiful  to  the  regenerated  mind  and  quite  educative 
in  character.  When  evils  have  run  a  long  course  upon 
earth  there  will  come  a  time,  place,  and  persons  in 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  65 

which  they  culminate  and  produce  their  fruits,  in 
dreadful  upheavals;  but  a  larger  view  should  always 
be  found  in  the  completion  and  finishings  around  the 
globe  of  mankind.  Who  assumes  that  Jesus'  work 
for  mankind  was  rounded  out  at  the  Cross,  having  no 
further  reach?  Who  can  say,  in  truth,  that  Christ 
will  close  his  career  as  Savior  of  man  when  he  com- 
pletes his  mediatorial  work  on  his  Father's  throne? 
Is  his  fixed  union  with  his  body,  the  church,  trium- 
phantly finished? 

No  Limitations. 

Shall  we  limit  the  King-Priest  to  just  marrying  his 
bride  in  his  own  good  time?  Or  shall  we  see  him 
with  his  called-out-of-the-world  moving  on  around 
the  globe  in  judgment,  in  regathering  Israel,  in  plac- 
ing them  in  the  land  of  Abraham,  in  setting  the 
bounds  of  the  Gentiles  (Matt.  25:  31-46  and  Joel  3: 
11,  16)? 

Have  those  local  occurrences,  which  some  believe 
have  filled  up  the  measure  of  the  predictive  events, 
become  types  or  pictures  of  vaster  fillings? 

Undoubtedly  they  have.  Who  will  refuse  to  under- 
stand that  the  birth  of  Christ  does  stand  for  larger 
and  earth-wide  births  of  this  same  Jesus  wedded  to  his 
only  bride,  embracing  washed  ones  out  of  every  na- 
tion, kindred,  tongue,  and  people?  Can  we  not  see 
that  the  economy  of  Moses,  with  all  its  lustre  and  bril- 
liancies in  its  highest  attainment,  was  but  a  type  of 
the  age  which  succeeded  it,  and  that  this  age  in  which 
we  now  exist  is  but  a  type  of  a  coming  one?  One 
must  take  into  consideration  the  recalled,  restored  Is- 
rael in  her  land  in  order  to  get  the  largest  possible 


66  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

view  of  God's  plans.  She  must  get  her  land.  Read 
Jer.  32,  in  the  light  of  Lev.  25 :  49  and  Ruth  3 :  12, 
13,  and  1  Peter  1  :  18,  19  and  note  what  the  Gaal  did 
do. 

STUDY  FIFTEEN 

The  Lamb  Chapter. — V 

The  Seven  Sealed  Book. 

This  book  contained  the  transactions  of  God  for 
man  and  was  finished.  Its  ownership  was  sure.  Like 
the  writings  of  Mordecai  (Esther  8:  8  and  Dan.  6: 
17),  the  things  were  secured   (verses  1-4). 

From  5-7,  Christ,  in  his  Royal  Character,  accepts 
the  book.  Verses  8  to  10  bring  to  view  the  four  living 
ones  and  the  twenty-four  elders  and  their  redemptive 
worship.  Verses  11  and  12  present  the  exaltation  of 
the  Lamb.  Verses  13  and  14  show  that  "  All  crea- 
tions on  the  earth,  in  the  earth  and  in  the  sea  "  con- 
cede his  authority. 

What  Daniel  saw  in  his  night  visions  (7:  13,  14) 
and  John's  vision  (5:7)  are  identical,  only  John  saw 
what  was  not  revealed  to  Daniel,  that  the  saints  of 
the  Church  Age  would,  in  the  Millennial  Age,  be  as- 
sociated with  King  Christ,  as  kings  and  priests.  John 
saw  the  slain  Lamb;  Daniel  saw  him  the  Son  unslain, 
but  victorious. 

What  are  the  duties  of  the  four  living  ones? 

To  render  glory,  honor  and  thanks  to  the  Throne- 
Sitter. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  67 

And  what  are  the  occupations  of  the  twenty-four 
eld  erst 

To  give  glory,  honor  and  power  to  him  who  is 
worthy. 

Are  these  connected  with  worshipers  on  earth? 

Most  likely,  for  the  church  above,  the  mother  of  us 
all,  and  the  church  below  agree  in  one.  They  surely 
connect  in  praise  and  holiness  to  the  Lord.  This  is 
harmony  in  one  Spirit. 

How  are  they  associated  with  God,  the  Lamb  and 
Holy  Spirit? 

In  that  they  are  all  REGAL,  or  ROYAL. 

Are  they  angels  or  redeemed  beings  from  the  earth? 

Redeemed  ones,  now  seen  when  glorified. 

Are  they  not  purchased  by  "  blood  out  of  every 
kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people,  and  nation,"  and 
what  has  God  made  them? 

Yes,  they  will  come  from  every  nation  and  God  has 
made  them  "  kings  and  priests." 

Why  has  God  made  them  kings  and  priests? 

"  To  reign  on  the  earth  " — a  definite  place. 

Why  did  God  thus  bring  the  book  to  his  Son  to 
break  the  seals? 

First,  because  the  Son  was  worthy  above  all  crea- 
tions. Second,  because  God  purposed  to  give  the  con- 
tents to  mankind,  so  that  all  men  should  be  without 
excuse  as  to  the  perplexities  that  were  to  come  on 
the  earth.    All  can  become  happy. 

Were  the  things  revealed,  glorified? 

They  were :  because  they  were  throne-predictions. 


68  THE   OPEN   WAY  INTO 

All  heaven  and  all  on  the  earth  can  know  of  a 
certainty  that  all  things  must  be  put  into  subjection  to 
Jesus'  authority  (1  Cor.  15:  27-28). 

Will  God  bring  all  men  to  judgment? 

He  will ;  but  every  man  in  his  own  band  at  God's 
time. 

How  many  kinds  of  judgments  are  revealed? 

Seven  kinds.  These  will  be  treated  in  chapter  20: 
12. 

Why  did  John  weep? 

Because  he  saw  for  a  long  time  no  one  worthy  to 
break  the  seals.  "  No  one  either  in  heaven  or  on 
earth  or  under  the  earth  was  able  to  open  the  book  or 
to  look  at  it." 

All  principalities,  all  administrations  everywhere 
seemed  mute  and  powerless  to  open  the  book.  John 
wept  because,  knowing  the  value  of  redemption,  all 
would  be  lost  if  the  tremendous  predictions  of  that 
book  were  to  remain  unknown  to  man.  To  know  the 
book  contents  meant  the  outflowing  of  pure  justice 
and  eternal  felicities. 

Who  does  not  want  the  greatest  possible  vision  of 
the  Father's  throne-knowledge  toward  the  people  of 
the  earth? 

What  is  revealed  as  to  the  regal  character  of  the 
Lamb  (6,  f)? 

"  In  the  space  between  the  throne  and  the  four 
creatures,  standing  in  the  center  of  the  elders,  a  Lamb 
which  looked  as  it  had  been  killed." 

It  had  seven  horns  (perfect  powers)  "  and  seven 
eyes" — vision    (all-powerful). 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  69 


STUDY  SIXTEEN 

The  Prevailer. 

Why  did  the  "  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah "  pre- 
vail to  open  the  book? 

Because  he  was  made  fit  by  suffering  and  sacrifice. 
Son  though  he  was,  he  learned  OBEDIENCE  from 
his  sufferings ;  and  being  made  perfect,  he  became  to 
all  those  who  obey  him  the  source  of  enduring  sal- 
vation (Heb.  5:  8,  9). 

Having  been  obedient  unto  death,  what  effect  comes 
to   the   believer? 

Christ's  is  a  model  obedience  to  all  who  follow  him. 
Relying  upon  Jesus'  obedience  as  meritorious,  through 
his  shed  blood,  the  believer  can  equally  obey  Christ, 
not  for  merit,  but  because  such  obedience  by  Christ 
has  become  pleasing  to  his  Father  and  reveals  the 
Father's  salvation  for  men. 

What  attitude  should  the  believer  take  toward  the 
Savior? 

He  should  understand  that  God's  commandments  in 
the  New  Testament  express  his  love  toward  every 
believer,  and  every  believer  will  obey  every  such  com- 
mand as  expressive  of  love  to  God. 

In  this  way  the  believer  comes  in  contact  with  the 
precious  blood  of  cleansing  (1  John  1:7). 

What  is  the  salvation  of  the  believer? 

He  has  been  saved  from  past  sins :  he  is  being 
saved  from  present  sins,  kept  by  the  power  of  God: 


70  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

and   will   be   saved   or   resurrected   with   the   worthy 
dead. 

Was  the  Lamb  or  Christ  submissive  to  his  Father? 

Since  he  was  submissive,  he  left  doctrine  of  that 
kind  of  submission  to  his  disciples  to  teach  and  prac- 
tice in  this  age  (Heb.  13:  17;  Col.  3:  18). 

In  this  view  of  movements  about  the  throne,  what 
was  the  order  of  events? 

The  greatest  occurrences  were  interspersed  with 
worship  by  the  elders  and  other  throne  subjects.  In 
this  way  the  believers  in  this  age  are  given  sure  pat- 
terns of  worship ;  it  is  regular,  systematic  and  en- 
thusiastic. They  prostrate  themselves  in  heaven. 
They  do  not  stand  and  stiffen  their  attitudes.  They 
reverence  the  throne  Beings  even  by  their  very  actions. 
Judgment  or  self  condemnation  always  connect  with 
true  worship. 

What  had  those  ciders  besides  prayers? 

They  each  held  "  a  harp  and  golden  bowl  full  of 
incense."  ("  These  are  the  prayers  of  Christ's  peo- 
pie.") 

"  Thou  art  worthy  [full  of  worth]  to  take  the  book 
and  break  the  seals  that  are  upon  it,  for  thou  wast 
killed,  and  with  thy  blood  thou  didst  buy  for  God 
men  of  every  tribe,  language,  people  and  nation  [four, 
because  they  are  purchased  creations],  and  didst 
MAKE  them  for  our  God  a  kingdom  of  priests,  and 
they  are  reigning  on  the  earth."  God's  kingdom  of 
priests  (Ex.  19:  6). 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  71 

How  many  angels  around  the  throne  who  give  ex- 
pression of  praise? 

Two  hundred  million.  They  ascribed  perfect 
praises  since  it  is  sevenfold — power,  wealth,  wisdom, 
might,  honor,  praise,  blessing. 

Redeemed  ones  will  raise  their  praises  sevenfold — 
this  is  spiritual  perfection. 

What  beings  could  only  utter  four  praises? 

"  By  every  created  thing  in  the  air  and  on  the  earth 
and  under  the  earth  and  on  the  sea,  and  by  all  that 
they  contain."     They  are  yet  on  earth. 

What  were  said  by  all  the  creatures  in  all  regions? 

All  said,  "  To  him  who  is  seated  upon  the  throne 
and  to  the  Lamb  BE  ascribed  ALL  blessing,  honor, 
praise,  dominion  for  ever  and  ever."  Here  are  four 
mighty  praises  corresponding  with  the  four  living  ones 
around  the  throne.  To  this  agrees  Isa.  6:1.  He  saw 
"  The  Lord  sitting  upon  a  throne,  high  and  lifted  up, 
and  his  train  [or  skirt]  filled  the  temple."  Visions 
of  the  highest  were  accorded  to  some  of  the  mighty 
ones  with  Jehovah.  Only  four,  because  they  were 
created. 

After  the  holy  praises  by  all  the  multitude  what  did 
the  four  living  ones  say? 

"  Amen,"  so  be  it.  What  harmony  always  in  heav- 
en! Who  shall  inherit  (own)  this  purged  or  purified 
earth?  The  meek  disciples,  the  purchased  ones,  the 
exalted  body   (Matt.  5:  5)! 


72  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

STUDY  SEVENTEEN 
The  Broken  Seals  Chapter. — VI 

Judgment  Unveiled. 

The  book  spoken  of  in  chapter  5  and  verse  1 
was  a  scroll  or  roll  and  it  was  unrolled.  As  it  was 
opened  seals  were  broken  to  reveal  its  contents.  As 
it  was  unrolled  one  was  all  the  time  expectant. 

Each  gives  out  astounding  information  as  to  coming 
events. 

What  came  with  the  opening  of  the  first  seal? 

Noise  like  thunder  from  one  of  the  "  four  living 
creatures."  It  was  an  awful  premonishment  to  the 
earth  people  of  the  beginning  of  the  end  of  the  age. 
God  repeats  himself  in  warnings  as  well  as  in  bless- 
ings. 

Who  invited  John  to  "  come  and  see  "  ? 

As  in  each  opening  one  of  the  four  living  creatures 
invited  John  to  "  come  and  see,"  there  was  instantly 
something  to  see.  Movements  characterized  the  open- 
ings rather  than  words,  thus  indicating  that  judgments 
are  not  trials  or  words,  but  actualities  already  de- 
cided by  the  Judge  of  the  earth. 

What  came  at  the  first  opening? 

"  A  white  horse  "  and  its  rider.  Beautiful  view, 
no  doubt. 

What  does  horse  signify  symbolically? 
White  (Rev.  3:5)  means  purity,  grace,  and  horse 
indicates  conquest  and  victory  as  well  as  swiftness  of 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  73 

movement.  The  Rider  is  Christ-judge.  He  holds  a 
bow,  indicating  coming  peace.  As  in  chapter  4  the 
BOW  was  emerald  or  green  in  character,  eternal  in 
existence.  The  King-Judge  is  crowned,  having  con- 
quering power. 

War. 

What  was  involved  at  the  opening  of  the  second 
seal? 

Out  came  a  red  horse  and  its  rider.  Red  stands 
for  judgment  blood.  The  Red  Sea  became  the  place 
of  Egyptian  judgment.  The  Jews  in  dispersion  were 
pictured  by  red  horses  (Zech.  1:8).  The  rider  was 
given  a  great  sword,  which  signified  his  warrior  char- 
acter. He  deprives  the  earth  of  man-made  peace:  for 
such  peace  has  not  in  it  the  enduring  principle  of  har- 
mony.    It  is  not  based  on  redemptive  blood. 

Famine. 

When  the  Lamb  broke  the  third  seal  what  issued? 

A  black  horse  with  its  rider,  indicating  famine  over 
the  earth.  Wheat  will  sell  at  about  $16  per  bushel  and 
barley  at  about  $4.  This  will  come  when  one  man, 
the  Antichrist,  shall  take  over  the  business  as  well  as 
the  religion  of  the  earth.  Little  by  little  religious 
federation  and  monopolistic  business  efforts  get  to- 
gether. It  does  not  take  much  vision  to  see  the  anti- 
marks  now.  Denominationalism  is  no  better  than 
confusion  of  tongues  at  Babel.  There  is  only  a 
seeming  unity  now.  You  get  the  type  in  Ezekiel  33  : 
31.  The  multitude  is  still  speaking  against  God,  "by 
the  walls  and  in  the  doors  of  their  houses." 


74  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

The  Place  of  Death. 

On  opening  of  the  fourth  seal  what  came  forth? 

The  "  fourth  creature  "  invited  John  to  come  and 
see.  John  as  usual  obeyed.  He  was  a  splendid 
learner.  He  was  being  educated  by  the  Teacher  of 
the  universe.  His  graduates  are  always  in  demand — 
devil-proof.  None  of  Jesus'  graduates  are  mixed 
with  evils.  To  this  rider  was  given  power  over  one 
fourth  of  the  people  of  the  earth,  to  kill  with  sword, 
famine,  death,  and  wild  beasts.  Death  rode  this  pale 
horse ;  and  the  Lord  of  the  place  of  death  rode  behind 
him.  The  Ransomer  from  the  grave  was  going 
along  with  Death  (Hos.  13:  14;  Ezek.  33:  27;  14: 
21)  for  preservation. 
Waiting  Saints. 

What  was  seen  at  the  opening  of  the  fifth  seal? 

Waiting  souls  crying  for  avengement.  These  were 
once  alive  on  earth,  but  now  were  seen  and  heard, 
as  in  their  natural  bodies.  They  could  speak,  and  so 
were  better  than  a  dead  lion  (Eccles.  9:4).  Zech. 
1:  12  connects  here.  2  Kings  9:  7-10  sheds  light 
on  righteous  avengement.  Hos.  4:  1  is  the  reason  of 
just  decision.  This  seal  is  a  clear  proof  that  men  are 
conscious  beings  after  leaving  their  natural  bodies. 

Anarchy  Uncovered. 

The  sixth  seal  revealed  what? 

Six  is  the  number  of  Satanic  anarchy.  It  comes 
just  before  seven.  The  sixth  trumpet  declares  the 
death  of  one-third  part  of  man.  The  sixth  bowl  pours 
out  fearful  emptyings  of  rivers,  and  announces  the 
approach  to  man  of  three  unclean  spirits  like  frogs 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  75 

out  of  the  mouth  of  the  dragon  and  false  prophet. 
John  saw  those  destructive  demons  that  now  work 
miracles. 

What  great  commotions  will  occur  in  the  earth  and 
in  the  heavenly  bodies? 

A  Great  Earthquake. 

Men  will  shake  with  fear,  so  that  the  earth  trem- 
bles to  make  the  trembling  men  fear  God.  There  is 
commotion  among  the  stars,  in  the  moon,  and  even 
the  sun  is  affected.  The  heavens,  whether  human 
governments,  or  physical,  roll  together  like  a  scroll. 

What  effect  will  come  to  men? 

Some  men,  who  usually  have  so  much  courage, 
say,  "  God  is  too  good  to  punish  that  way ! "  "  The 
Bible  does  not  mean  what  it  says."  "  There  was  no 
virgin  birth  of  Christ."  "  I  do  not  believe  in  a  bloody 
God."  All  such  expressions  go  easy  in  time  of  peace, 
but  what  will  they  be  like  in  time  of  terror? 

What  classes  of  people  will  most  tremble  at  judg- 
ment scenes? 

Kings,  princes,  generals,  rich,  powerful,  slaves, 
free  men,  etc.  All  will  pray  for  rocks  to  hide  them  and 
caves  to  secure  them  from  the  view  of  the  Throne- 
sitter!  But  there  is  no  salvation  in  rocks  nor  in  dens 
and  caves  in  mountains.  Consult  Joel  2:  31;  Isa.  34: 
4;  Hos.  10:8;  Mai.  3:2. 

Our  Hope,  a  little  magazine  very  faithful  to  holy 
principles,  in  its  October  number  of  1915  says:  "  It  is 
a  common  thing  for  men,  who  are  prominent  in  the 
larger  evangelical  denominations,  to  deny  Christ's 
virgin  birth.     The  wicked  denial  out  of  the   (devil) 


76  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

is  being  taught  in  the  seminaries  and  colleges.  Not 
a  few  of  the  modern  '  man  made  '  preachers  think  it 
up-to-date  to  sneer  at  the  Bible  doctrine  of  the  virgin 
birth.  One  of  the  leading  preachers  said :  '  The  doc- 
trine of  the  virgin  birth  in  these  times  is  not  essential 
to  a  true  Christian  life,  for  Christ  transcended  his 
birth,  no  matter  in  what  manner  he  came  into  the 
world.'  Another  from  the  same  class  of  people  said: 
'  It  matters  not  whether  we  believe  that  Christ  had  a 
virgin  birth  or  not.'  This  is  a  bold  thrust  at  the  Deity 
of   Christ." 

How  about  the  church  members  or  professors  in 
multitude  ? 

Says  Our  Hope:  "  And  these  denials  are  not  con- 
fined to  the  big  cities,  where  man-pleasures  satisfy  the 
tastes  of  ungodly,  dancing,  card-playing  church  mem- 
bership," who  have  the  itching  ears. 

Abusing  the  Bible. 

In  what  way  is  the  Bible  disparaged? 

By  writing  articles  and  by  lecturing  and  by 
preaching  that  the  Bible  is  not  inspired  nor  breathed 
out  from  God. 

Again,  it  is  abused,  made  of  none  effect  in  human 
hearts,  by  obscuring  some  of  the  facts,  by  making 
mysteries  where  there  are  none,  or  by  making  ex- 
cuses for  not  obeying  some  clear  commands  and 
duties,  both  personal  and  congregational. 

Are  there  any  scriptures  expressing  what  will  be 
done  to  damage  the  truth  in  the  minds  of  people ? 

Yes;  one  need  only  read  1  Tim.  4:  1-3,  2  Cor.  11 : 
13-15,  2  Peter  2:  1-3,  and  2  Tim.  4:  3,  4. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  77 

What  is  the  cure  to  save  sinners  and  believers  from 
such  false  teachers? 

You  will  find  the  remedy  in  2  Tim.  4:  1,  2,  5. 

The  chief  attacks  on  the  Scriptures  are  upon  the 
inspiration  of  the  Word  of  God,  against  the  virgin 
birth  of  Christ,  against  his  atonement,  and  his  reign 
upon  the  earth. 

Making  God's  Truth  of  None  Effect. 

A  preacher  recently  said,  "  The  Bible  is  nothing  but 
literature  and  should  be  studied  as  such."  And  here 
come  these  little  fellows  out  of  the  Union  Theologi- 
cal Seminary  and  other  colleges  and  universities  and 
say,  "  In  the  light  of  modern  research  it  is  impossible 
to  believe  any  longer  in  the  miracles  of  the  Bible  and 
in  the  virgin  birth." 

Does  God  abandon  those  who  abandon  his  truth? 

Listen:  "He  that  rejecteth  me,  and  receiveth  not 
my  words,  hath  one  that  judgeth  him  "  (John  12:  48; 
1  Thess.  4:8).  The  Jews  rejected  Christ;  where  are 
they  as  a  nation  now?  Out  of  national  existence, 
scattered  and  peeled  until  the  day  of  ingathering. 

What  does  the  sixth  seal  disclose? 

Jesus  said  something  about  this  in  Matt.  24,  when 
asked  a  threefold  question: 

1.  "When  shall  these  things  be?" 

2.  "What  shall  be  the  sign  of  thy  coming?" 

3.  "When  shall  be  the  end  of  the  world"  or  age? 

To  the  first  read  Luke  21 :  20-24,  which  was  ful- 
filled in  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem  by  Titus,  the 
Roman  general,  in  A.  D.  70.     This  destruction  is  a 


78  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

type  of  a  worldwide  tribulation,  in  which  wars, 
famines,  pestilences,  persecutions  will  abound,  with 
international  differences. 

2.  The  sign  of  his  coming  can  be  found  in  Joel  2 : 
30,  31. 

3.  The  end  of  the  age  will  come  when  "  this  gospel 
of  the  kingdom  shall  be  preached  in  all  the  world  for 
witness  unto  all  nations."  It  does  not  read  that  all 
people  in  all  nations,  or  even  that  all  nations,  will  re- 
ceive, believe,  and  obey  the  gospel  of  God's  power  un- 
to salvation. 

What,  then,  must  the  church  do  with  the  Gospel? 

The  church  must  preach  it  to  all  nations  for  a 
witness. 

What  are  the  details  of  the  tribulation  period  end- 
ing in  the  battle  of  Rev.  ip:  19-21? 

The  details  are  found  in  Matt.  24:  15-28  and  Rev. 
6  to  20  and  other  related  scriptures.  Here  are  a  few 
of  the  details:  (1)  The  holy  place  (Matt.  24:  15). 
(2)  Necessary  cautions  (vs.  16-20).  (3)  Intensified 
tribulations,  especially  toward  the  Jews  in  their  own 
land  (vs.  21-26).  (4)  The  troubles  upon  the  Gentile 
world-powers  (vs.  27-28).  (5)  Jesus'  glorious  ap- 
pearing visible  to  all  nations  and  the  coming  together 
of  the  house  of  Israel  to  become  the  greatest  of  all 
nations  (Ezek.  37).  (6)  The  absence  of  fruitage 
among  the  Jews  except  in  the  remnant.  (7)  Warn- 
ings to  careless  professing  Christians   (vs.  34-51). 

For  further  teaching  carefully  study  Daniel,  chap- 
ters 2,  7,  9,  and  Rev.  13. 


THE   BOOK   OF   REVELATION  79 

What  about  the  Jewish  remnant  during  the  tribu- 
lation period? 

During  the  awful  troubles  of  the  seven  seals,  seven 
trumpets  and  seven  bowls,  a  remnant  of  Israel  will 
believe  Jesus  and  witness  for  him.  While  some  will 
be  martyrs  others  will  go  through  the  period  to  begin 
Israel  anew  (Rev.  7:  3-8,  and  Zech.  12:  6  to  13:  9). 

Will  the  heavens  disappear  as  if  rolled  up? 

They  will;  not  only  will  the  earth  be  undergoing 
catastrophes,  but  the  very  regions  around  the  earth 
will  be  affected  and  witness  of  a  tremendous  change 
coming. 

Will  literal  mountains  move  out  of  their  accustomed 
places? 

They  will ;  they  have  so  moved  and  are  even  now  so 
moving. 

Will  the  kings  of  the  earth,  princes,  rich  men  and 
others  be  affected? 

If  the  earth  and  heavens  are  in  commotion  will  not 
men  be? 

How  natural,  that  in  the  midst  of  world-wide 
catastrophes  the  scared  people  should  seek  rocks, 
caves,  and  mountains  to  hide  themselves  from  the 
Throne-sitter ! 

STUDY  EIGHTEEN 

Opposing  Their  Return. 

What  about  Jesus'  return  to  reign  upon  this  earth? 

When  the  seventieth  week,  or  the  last  seven  years 
of  the  age  begins,  the  church  having  gone  out  of  the 


80  THE   OPEN   WAY  INTO 

earth,  the  first  seal  begins  its  work  over  the  earth. 
By  that  time  the  man  of  sin  will  have  received  great 
power  from  the  beast  out  of  the  earth  and  the  one 
out  of  the  sea.  The  Jews  will  have  gathered  into 
Abraham's  land  from  the  Mediterranean  Sea  to  the 
Euphrates  River,  under  the  protection  of  one  or 
more  European  powers,  and  shall  become  very- 
wealthy  and  prosperous  in  commerce  and  agriculture. 
The  railroads  are  now  built  through  that  land.  All 
things  will  terminate  into  one-man  power,  the  Anti- 
christ. Oppression  of  the  Jews  will  come  like  a 
whirlwind,  and  for  seven  years  they  will  undergo 
fearful  tribulation,  especially  the  last  three  and  a  half 
years.  More  or  less  tribulation  will  spread  over  the 
earth,  but  the  Jews  will  get  the  severest.  Their  cup 
will  be  filled  with  miseries.  The  disquieting  of 
Psa.  2 :  5  and  Jer.  30 :  67,  and  other  Hebrew  pre- 
dictions will  run  into  consummation.  No  other  peo- 
ple were  so  highly  blessed :  no  other  people  will  suffer 
more.  At  the  end  of  that  fearful  persecution  the 
kings  of  the  earth  set  themselves,  and  the  rulers  take 
counsel  together  against  the  Lord,  and  against  his 
anointed  (Christ)  saying,  "  Let  us  break  their  bands 
asunder,  and  cast  away  their  cords  from  us."  This 
terminates  in  Armageddon,  near  Jerusalem. 

Was  not  the  prediction  in  Luke  21:  20-24  fulfilled 
by  the  Roman  general  Titus  in  A.  D.  70? 

It  was  rilled  up,  but  it  became  a  type  of  a  more  ex- 
tended one,  as  described  by  Matt.  24:  20-22. 

When  will  Matt.  24:  20-22  come  to  pass? 

"  The  ninth  chapter  of  Daniel  contains  a  prediction 
that   seventy   periods   of   time   called   '  weeks '   must 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  81 

elapse  after  the  king  of  Babylon  gives  commandment 
to  rebuild  Jerusalem  (the  Jews,  remember,  were  then 
in  captivity  under  Babylon),  before  the  final  establish- 
ment of  Israel  under  the  holy  anointed  One.  Then 
follows  the  announcement  that  after  sixty-nine 
'  weeks  '  Messiah  shall  be  cut  off.  Now  from  the  date 
of  the  commandment  to  rebuild  Jerusalem  to  the  cru- 
cifixion was  exactly  sixty-nine  weeks  of  years.  Each 
of  the  sixty-nine  '  weeks '  up  to  the  crucifixion  was 
seven  years  long. 

"  Here,  then,  are  sixty-nine  weeks  fulfilled  and  an- 
other week  cut  off — left  in  the  air,  as  it  were.  Now 
there  is  a  great  principle  concerning  prophetic  chron- 
ology. God  never  reckons  time  with  the  Jews  when 
they  are  out  of  their  own  land.  Then  there  is  always 
an  interlude.  With  Israel  out  of  the  land,  God's 
Jewish  clock  stops.  It  begins  again  when  Israel  is 
back  where  Israel  ought  to  be.  Now,  at  the  end  of 
the  sixty-ninth  week,  Messiah  was  cut  off  and  the 
destruction  of  Jerusalem  and  the  deportation  of  the 
Jews  followed.  Just  then,  between  the  sixty-ninth 
and  seventieth  weeks  of  Daniel,  comes  in  this  age — 
the  church  period. 

"  There  are  scriptures  after  scriptures  to  which  I 
might  refer  you  which  show  that  this  whole  church 
period  is  a  parenthesis,  as  it  were. 

"  In  God's  purpose  always,  but  hidden,  as  Paul 
tells  us,  from  the  prophets  of  old  time.  There  is  a  very 
notable  illustration  of  that  in  Isaiah.  It  is  the  passage 
from  which  our  Lord  quoted  in  the  synagogue  at 
Nazareth,  Isaiah  61 :  1. 


82  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me  because  he  hath 
anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek;  he 
hath  sent  me  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  to  proclaim 
liberty  to  the  captives  and  the  opening  of  the  prison  to 
them  that  are  bound. 

"  You  will  remember  how  our  Lord  at  the  begin- 
ning of  his  ministry  quoted  this  very  passage  (Luke 
4:  16-21),  and  went  on  to  proclaim  the  'acceptable 
year  of  the  Lord.'  There  he  closed  the  book  and 
sat  down  and  began  to  say,  '  This  day  is  this  scrip- 
ture fulfilled  in  your  midst.'  Did  you  ever  notice 
where  he  closed  the  book?  He  closed  the  book  at  a 
comma.  The  whole  church  period  comes  in  right 
where  that  little  comma  is — between  '  the  acceptable 
year  of  the  Lord,'  and  '  the  day  of  vengeance  of  God ' 
— between  the  cutting  off  of  Messiah  at  the  end  of  the 
sixty-ninth  week  of  Daniel  and  the  taking  up  of  Is- 
rael again,  when  '  the  day  of  vengeance ' — the  great 
tribulation — begins. 

"  When  the  church  period  has  been  finished  and 
God,  according  to  the  passages  I  have  read,  begins 
again  to  deal  with  Israel,  namely  at  the  beginning  of 
the  great  tribulation,  then  the  clock  of  prophecy  be- 
gins to  run  again  and  the  seventieth  week  has  its  ful- 
fillment. The  sixty-nine  weeks  were  weeks  of  years. 
We  are  sure  then  that  the  seventieth  week  will  be  a 
week  of  years.  We  want  to  remember,  though, 
that  it  is  shortened  somewhat — it  will  not  be  a  full 
week.  Our  Lord  says :  '  Except  those  days  should 
be  shortened,  no  flesh  should  be  saved.'  Not  '  no 
soul '  should  be  saved ;  it  is  not  a  question  of  soul- 
saving.  It  is  shortened  because  there  will  then  be  in 
the  world  those  whom  he  calls  the  '  elect,'  Israel  be- 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  83 

loved  for  the  fathers'  sakes." — Addresses  on  Proph- 
ecy. 

Was  not  the  prediction  in  Luke  21 :  20-24  fulfilled 
by  the  Roman  General  Titus  in  A.  D.  70? 

It  was  filled  up,  but  it  became  a  type  of  a  more  ex- 
tended one,  as  described  by  Matt.  24:  20-22. 

When  will  Matt.  24:  20-22  come  to  pass? 

Trinity  in  Unity. 

What  more  can  be  said  about  types  and  symbols? 

The  tabernacle  in  the  wilderness,  picture  of  the 
church  passing  through  this  sinful  world  under  trials 
and  sufferings,  was  succeeded  by  a  most  dazzling  and 
beautiful  temple  in  Jerusalem.  Was  not  that  temple 
a  type  of  the  New  Jerusalem  which  is  described  in 
Revelation  22?  Nearly  all  the  heavenlies  move  in 
trinities,  and  the  natural  world  is  one  great  bundle 
of  trinities,  all  in  harmony  with  the  Father,  Son  and 
Holy  Spirit — three  Ones,  working  toward  one  pur- 
pose, one  consummation  in  the  spirit  realm. 

Prior  Events. 

Please  give  the  order  of  events  as  they  will  occur 
just  before  Christ  returns  to  reign  upon  the  earth. 

The  Scriptures  reckon  a  period  that  is  very  little 
regarded  by  that  class  who  teach  that  man  can  make 
the  earth  ready  for  Christ  to  come  and  take  their 
products  out  into  a  happy  place.  "  The  great  body 
of  Christianity  believes  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the 
Son  of  the  living  God,  but  they  have  turned  aside 
the  greater  part  of  God's  resources,  to  attempt  to  re- 
form the  world,  to  educate  the  world,  and  to  antic- 
ipate   the    next    dispensation    in    which    those    things 


84  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

belong,  and  to  do  now  the  work  that  is  distinctly  set 
apart  for  restored  and  converted  Israel." 

Can  not  the  church  do  in  this  age  what  God  said 
of  the  next  age? 

It  can  not  be  done.  Man  can  not  forestall  God's 
movements  nor  change  his  plans. 

What  is  the  first  thing  that  Jesus  as  King  of  kings 
will  do? 

Listen :  "  For  we  say  unto  you  by  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  that  we  which  are  alive  and  remain  unto  the 
coming  of  the  Lord  shall  not  prevent  [or  have  no  ad- 
vantage over]  them  that  are  asleep.  For,  with  a 
loud  summons,  with  the  shout  of  an  archangel,  and 
with  the  trumpet-call  of  God,  the  Lord  himself  will 
come  down  from  heaven.  Then,  first,  those  who  died 
in  union  with  Christ  will  rise;  and  afterwards  we 
who  shall  still  be  living  shall  be  caught  up  in  the 
clouds,  in  company  with  them,  to  meet  the  Lord  in 
the  air,  and  so  shall  be  with  him  always"  (1  Thess. 
4:  15-17).     Not  always  at  one  place,  but  with  Jesus. 

Truly  it  gives  great  joy  to  "  Comfort  one  another, 
therefore,  with  these  words." 

The  first  movement  then  will  be  to  take  the  church 
saints  out  of  the  earth  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air,  or 
first  heaven. 

What  begins  on  earth  next? 

Pray,  too,  that  your  flight  may  not  occur  in  winter 
time,  or  on  a  Sabbath;  for  that  will  be  a  time  of  great 
distress,  the  like  of  which  has  not  occurred  from  the 
beginning  of  the  world  down  to  the  present  time — 
no,  nor  ever  will  again.    And  had  not  those  days  been 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  85 

curtailed  there  would  have  been  no  escape  for  a 
single  person ;  but  for  the  sake  of  "  God's  people  " 
they  will  be  curtailed  (Matt.  24:  20-22). 

STUDY  NINETEEN 

The  Remnant  Chapter. — VII 

This  chapter  begins  with  a  very  important  pre- 
liminary, a  fine  teaching  thrown  in  between  the  sixth 
and  seventh  seals.  A  new  order  or  a  new  adminis- 
tration is  about  to  open  up. 

What  do   the  restrained  winds  signify ? 

"  Wind "  here  means  that  since  Israel  is  to  be 
gathered  from  all  parts  of  the  earth,  not  one  being 
left  (Ezek.  (37  and  39:  25-28)  there  will  be  opposing 
forces  from  the  four  directions,  east,  west,  north, 
south,  all  Gentile  people ;  they  will  be  restrained,  so 
that  144,000  Israelites  can  be  sealed  to  begin  a  na- 
tional existence. 

What  is  the  mission  of  the  other  angel? 

To  cause  the  four  restraining  angels  to  wait  in 
their  mission  until  the  144,000  Israelites  are  sealed, 
finished,  secured,  and  marked  so  as  fully  to  identify 
them.  This  angel  gave  orders  to  the  four  not  to 
hurt  the  earth  nor  the  sea  (a  religious-political  com- 
bination organized  to  prevent  Israel's  union)  until 
God's  agents  "  have  secured  this  remnant."  A  new 
Israel  is  to  be  created,  hence  four  angels. 

What  is  meant  by  sealing  servants  in  forehead? 

God  marks  his  servants  by  their  profession.  It 
embraces  confession,  birth,  and  obedience  (Matt.  10: 


86  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

32;  Luke  12:  8;  1  John  4:  15).  Here  we  see  the  doc- 
trine of  faith  and  confession,  etc.,  prominently  men- 
tioned in  Revelation,  like  many  other  outworking 
practices  required  in  this  age  of  making  ready  to 
reign  with  Christ. 

What  vast  throng  did  John  see? 

A  throng  so  vast  that  no  man  could  number  it. 

Where  did  the  vast  multitude  come  from? 

From  all  nations,  kindreds,  people  and  tongues — 
all  before  the  throne.  All  ready  for  homage  to  the 
Throne-sitter. 

With  what  were  they  clothed? 

"  With  white  robes."  This  again  connects  with 
the  "  nonconformity  to  the  world "  in  our  present 
age  (Rom.  12:  1,  2).  It  is  the  doctrine  of  transfor- 
mation and  unity  recognized  in  heaven.  White  cloth- 
ing stands  for  Christ's  righteousness  even  in  heaven 
(Rev.  19:  8). 

Who  are  the  "  palm-bearers  "  ? 

They  are  tribulation  saints — people  who  have  been 
killed  during  the  great  persecution  from  the  devil  in 
the  man  of  sin,  who  operates  to  destroy  during  the 
last  seven  years  of  this  age — the  missing  week  of 
Daniel.  See  elsewhere  in  this  volume  for  explana- 
tions of  this  week,  or  seven  years  yet  to  come.  Ob- 
serve the  worshipers  who  are  around  the  great  throne. 

When  they  worshiped  they  bowed  before  him  on 
their  faces  in  front  of  the  throne,  saying,  "  Amen. 
Blessing,  praise,  wisdom,  thanksgiving,  honor,  might 
be  ascribed  to  our  God  forever  and  ever.     Amen." 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  87 

Here  is  perfect  worship  in  seven  parts,  suggesting  the 
best  and  highest  of  all  devotion. 

Why  use  the  word  "Amen"  before  and  after  the 
praise? 

It  indicates  a  double  assent  to  what  belonged  to 
God.  "  So  be  it "  first  and  "  So  be  it  "  last — evermore 
"  So  be  it." 

"  What  are  these  which  are  arrayed  in  white  robes? 
And  whence  came  they?  " 

"  They  came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have 
washed  their  robes  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood 
of  the  Lamb"  (verse  14).  They  are  tribulation 
saints.  This  time  and  people  involved  are  announced 
from  Psa.  11-18.  Compare  the  foursquare  people 
of  verse  9  with  the  foursquare  Jerusalem  of  chapter 
21. 
Affected  Israel. 

Who  shall  be  affected  by  that  "  great  tribulation  "  ? 

It  is  "the  time  of  Jacob's  trouble"  (Jer.  30:  7), 
and  Jerusalem  will  be  the  center  of  awful  disasters, 
but  lastly  the  whole  earth  will  be  affected  because 
the  time  will  be  just  prior  to  Jesus'  arrival.  The  man 
of  sin  will  persecute  the  Jews  fearfully. 

//  the  Jews  return  to  Palestine,  as  seems  now  near 
at  hand,  will  they  be  placed  under  the  protection  of 
some  nation  or  nations? 

Very  likely.  And  as  the  Antichrist  gains  power 
and  assumes  rulership  over  mankind,  he  will  gladly 
make  a  league  with  the  Jews  for,  as  now,  they  will 
have  the  money;  but  in  the  last  seven  years  Anti- 
christ will  break  his   covenant  with  them  and  turn 


88  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

persecutor,  as  Antiochus  Epiphanes,  Antichrist's  pro- 
totype, did  in  B.  C.  170. 

What  will  the  elements  be  so  as  to  distinguish  Anti- 
christ? 

First.  The  beast  out  of  "  the  sea  "  in  great  cruelty 
(Rev.  13:  1). 

Second.  The  intense  activity  of  Satan,  being  very 
wrathful,  seeing  that  his  power  is  decreasing. 

Third.  The  intensity  and  great  activity  of  demons. 
They  then  know  their  time  has  come  to  receive  tor- 
ment (Matt.  8:  29;  Rev.  9:  2,  11). 

Fourth.  The  time  of  trumpet  and  bowl  judg- 
ments over  all  the  earth  (Rev.  8,  9,  16). 

At  this  time  the  church  saints  will  be  in  the  sky 
(1  Thess.  4:  13-17). 

Palmbearers. 

Are  the  white-robed  palm-bearers  exalted  to  a  very 
great  position? 

Evidently  they  are :  for  they  are  "  before  the 
throne  of  God,  and  serve  him  day  and  night "  (verse 
15).  Being  before  the  throne  they  are  yet  to  take 
their  place  as  servants,  not  crowned  ones  as  king- 
priests    (verse   15). 

What  other  graces  are  promised  these? 

All  pains,  all  tears  are  taken  from  them.  God  is 
their  Sustenance  and  Preserver  through  the  Lamb. 


THE   BOOK    OF    REVELATION  89 


STUDY  TWENTY 

Trumpets  and  Bowls  Chapters  Combined. — 
VIII,  IX,  XVI 

Trumpets  and  Bowls  Connected. 

The  eighth  and  ninth  chapters  are  now  to  be 
studied  with  the  sixteenth  chapter.  The  trumpets 
make  announcements  of  judgments,  and  the  bowls 
pour  out  the  activities  of  things  heralded.  It  will  be 
observed  that  whatever  the  trumpets  declare  as  be- 
ing affected,  the  outpouring  bowls  fill  up  the  measure. 
If  the  trumpet  speaks  of  the  sea,  then  the  bowl  moves 
to  the  sea  and  operates  on  that  body.  If  the  trumpet 
speaks  of  the  air,  then  the  bowl  operates  upon  and 
affects  the  air.  In  this  way  each  trumpet,  as  used  in 
the  Old  Testament,  finds  its  place  in  the  New  and 
the  bowls,  having  contents  to  empty,  conform  to  what 
the  trumpets  announce. 

Contents  of  chapter  eight — silence  (verse  1).  Con- 
nection with  high  priesthood  as  taught  in  Heb.  8 :  2 
to  Heb.  10:  25.  Trumpets  preparing  to  sound  (2-6). 
First  trumpet  (7).  Second  trumpet  (8-9).  Third 
trumpet  (10-11).  Fourth  trumpet  (12-13).  Three 
woes  announced. 

Is  there  any  indication  of  an  increase  of  intensity 
of  judgment  as  the  trumpets  and  bowls  proceed  in 
their  onward  judgments? 

Intensity  increases.  All  nature  as  well  as  heavenly 
luminaries  are  affected.  Consequences  of  SIN  are 
far-reaching  indeed. 


90  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

In  the  first  four  announcements  and  the  first  four 
bowl  judgments  nature  only  is  affected.  In  the  fifth 
and  sixth  man  is  affected,  while  in  the  seventh  and 
last  "  the  kingdom  of  the  world,"  heaven  and  the 
temple  are  involved. 

What  is  the  result  of  a  careful  study  of  the  Old 
Testament  f 

The  study  of  the  Old  Testament  teaches  us  the 
Scripture  number  system  of  the  spiritualities — of 
good  things  to  come.  All  those  were  thrown  out  to 
mankind  to  win  man  to  God.  How  much  more  force- 
ful to  this  age ! 

Can  one  see  the  hallowed  order  in  Jehovah's  on- 
working  to  completions  by  this  number  system? 

Yes ;  by  getting  the  key  in  the  Old  Testament  to 
go  through  an  open  door.  The  workings,  finishing, 
conclusions  and  completions  are  perfectly  clear.  If 
you  would  have  perfect  joys  go  study  this  number 
system  in  Deity.  Even  in  Eph.  1-3  to  3:  21  you  will 
find  that  the  wonderful  position  of  the  believer  is 
fixed  in  a  sevenfold  way. 

What  does  the  other  angel  do  before  the  seven 
begin  their  announcements  over  the  earth ? 

"  He  came  and  stood  reverently  at  the  altar  with  a 
golden  censer  in  his  hand." 

Why  a  golden  censer? 

Because  in  the  approach  to  Jehovah  to  worship, 
something  precedes  and  connects  the  golden  censer 
and  prayer.  Gold  stands  for  Deity,  strength,  dura- 
bility, worth.  In  the  Gospel  gold  is  a  type  of  re- 
deeming  mercy   and   spirituality    (Rev.   3:    18),   en- 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  91 

durance  against  fiery  trials  (1  Cor.  3:  12)  ;  borrowed 
by  Satan  (Rev.  17:  4  and  18:  16). 

Of  what  was  God's  incense  made? 

Of  "  sweet  spices,  stacte,  onyche,  galbanum  of  like 
weight  with  pure  frankincense.  It  was  tempered  to- 
gether pure  and  holy."  So  should  our  prayers  be. 
It  was  not  allowed  to  be  used  on  flesh  for  curing 
sores.  It  was  "  an  holy  ointment."  So  should  be 
believers'  prayers.  Holy  incense  was  burnt  on  a 
holy  altar  with  holy  fire.  Precious  prayers  will  go 
to  Jesus,  who  is  our  Holy  Altar.  Possibly  incense 
also  sweetened  the  temple  where  so  much  blood  was 
shed. 

Why  should  incense  be  connected  with  saintly 
prayers? 

Saintly  prayers  are  as  incense  before  God.  They 
are  quite  fragrant  and  propitious,  as  was  incense  un- 
der the  Law. 

Why  did  the  angel  throw  the  incense  and  prayers 
out  of  the  censer  upon  the  earth? 

Judgments  Jarring. 

The  effects  show  why !  Thereby  peals  of  thunder, 
cry-voices,  flashes  of  lightning:  earthquakes  re- 
spond, indicating  that  new  judgments  were  pending. 
Saints  judge  themselves  in  this  life  by  the  Word  (1 
Cor.  11:  31,  32).  Saints  are  to  judge  or  rule  the 
world  and  angels   (1  Cor.  6:  2,  3). 

What  are  trumpets  for? 

To  make  announcements  of  events  near  at  hand. 
The  age  or  dispensation  is  about  to  close.  It  is  the 
changing  of  a  people  who  long  centuries  have  been 


92  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

aided  by  Jehovah — a  people  or  nation  to  whom  he 
gave  gracious  truths  and  powers  to  make  mighty  joys, 
but  they  perverted  his  truth,  listened  to  God's  ad- 
versary, and  went  the  way  Cain  went.  Is  not  all  this 
an  awful  insult  to  the  Creator,  the  Provider,  the 
Sustainer? 

What  are  the  announcements  of  the  end? 

The  announcements  of  coming  events  are  by  trum- 
pets, because  trumpets  have  always  stood  for  loud 
proclamations — sounds  that  reach  in  the  far  distance. 
Jesus  foresaw  conditions  that  would  be  at  his  coming 
reign.  Hear  him:  "  For  just  as  in  the  days  of  Noah, 
so  will  it  be  at  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  Man.  In 
those  days  before  the  flood  they  went  on  [mark  the 
expression  they  WENT  ON]  eating  and  drinking 
and  marrying  and  being  married,  up  to  the  day  which 
Noah  entered  the  ark,  taking  no  notice  till  the  flood 
came  and  swept  them  one  and  all  away  "  ;  and  to  im- 
press it  more  and  more  forcefully  upon  us  and  them 
to  whom  he  was  speaking,  he  said :  "  So  shall  it  be 
at  the  coming  of  the  Son  of  Man  "  (Matt.  24:  37-39). 
Did  Jesus  know?  Does  this  look  like  a  regenerated 
humanity,  a  people  ready  to  turn  over  to  a  King- 
judge,  a  King-priest  to  rule  the  whole  world  in  right- 
eousness ?  Did  he  ever  promise  that  the  whole  world 
would  be  ready  at  his  coming?  Why  then  is  this 
taught  ?  Because  man  wants  his  way !  And  God  can 
not  give  man  his  way;  for  God,  who  KNOWS,  has 
said  of  man's  unregenerate  condition,  "  The  heart  is 
deceitful  above  all  things  and  desperately  wicked; 
who  can  know  it"  (Jer.  17:  9)?  And  it  is  well 
known  that  the  majority  of  mankind  refuses  God's 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  93 

regeneration — men  preferring  to  hold  up  their  own 
made  reformation. 

Corrupting  Tricks. 

"  Satan  disguises  himself  as  an  angel  of  light " 
(2  Cor.  11:  14).  The  Holy  Spirit  forewarned  the 
age:  "For  at  the  coming  of  the  Lord  there  will  be 
great  activity  on  the  part  of  Satan,  in  the  shape  of  all 
kinds  of  deceptive  miracles,  signs  and  marvels,  as 
well  as  of  wicked  attempts  to  delude  [or  mislead  by  a 
trick],  to  the  ruin  of  those  who  are  on  their  way  to 
destruction,  because  they  have  never  received  and 
loved  the  truth  to  their  own  salvation  "  (2  Thess.  2 : 
9,  10). 

STUDY  TWENTY-ONE 

Announcements  and  Actions. 

In  order  that  the  student  may  the  more  readily 
understand  the  movements  of  the  trumpets  and  bowls 
they  will  be  associated  in  this  study. 

First  Trumpet. — The  first  blew ;  and  there  came 
hail  and  fire  mixed  with  blood,  and  it  fell  upon  the 
earth.  A  third  part  of  the  earth  was  burnt  up,  and 
a  third  of  the  trees,  and  every  blade  of  grass  (8:  7). 

The  First  Bowl  Emptied. — The  first  angel  went 
and  emptied  his  bowl  upon  the  earth  (political 
powers)  :  and  it  turned  to  loathsome  and  painful  sores 
upon  all  those  who  bore  the  brand  of  the  beast  and 
who  worshiped  its  image  (16:  2). 

The  first  trumpet  announced  the  coming  hail  and 
fire  mingled  with  blood  to  affect  the  third  part  of 
the  trees  and  all  grass  on  the  earth. 


94  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

The  outpouring  of  the  first  bowl  affected  the  image- 
worshipers  with  painful  sores.  In  both  instances 
the  earth  is  affected  by  severe  judgments. 

What  is  meant  by  the  "  brand  of  the  beast "  ? 

A  stamp  on  a  coin  indicates  its  value  or  ownership. 
God  stamped  his  displeasure  on  the  human  race  by 
"  the  confusion  of  tongues."  This  mark  of  confu- 
sion of  faiths  is  almost  universal.  "  Mark  "  means 
a  false  profession. 

Is  beast  a  central  figure  of  all  evil  in  human  hearts? 

It  is  never  a  sign  of  evil  in  Israel,  but  among  Gen- 
tiles, beast  stands  for  that  wicked  one  of  2  Thess.  2 : 
7-9.  He  will  begin  actively  in  everyone  who  has  been, 
is,  or  will  be  against  Christ,  to  tyrannize,  to  oppress, 
to  destroy  under  him  who  said  long  ago  in  his  heart : 
"  I  will  ascend  into  heaven :  I  will  exalt  my  throne 
above  the  stars  of  God:  I  will  sit  upon  the  mount  of 
the  congregation,  in  the  sides  of  the  north :  I  will 
ascend  above  the  heights  of  the  clouds :  I  will  be  like 
the  Most  High"  (Isa.  14:  12-13).  This  was  Lucifer 
in  his  heart. 

Mountain  Falls  into  the  Sea. 

What  did  the  second  trumpet  announce? 

A  great  mountain,  all  on  fire,  was  hurled  into  the 
sea. 

What  was  the  result? 

A  third  part  of  the  sea  became  blood,  and  a  third 
part  of  all  created  things  that  were  in  the  sea — that 
is,  all  living  things — dies,  and  a  third  of  the  ships  are 
destroyed  (8:9). 

In  this  case  the  sea  was  affected. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION  95 

What  next  comes  by  pouring  out  the  second  bowl? 

The  second  bowl  angel  poured  out  the  contents  in- 
to the  sea,  and  it  turned  to  blood  like  the  blood  of  a 
corpse  (dissipated)  and  every  living  thing  dies — 
everything  in  the  sea.  In  this  case,  as  trumpet,  sea 
things  were  affected.  Blood  and  death  are  the  char- 
acteristics of  this  trumpet  and  bowl  movement. 

What  do  sea  and  mountains  stand  for  symbolically? 

"  Mountain  "  stands  for  high  ruler,  king  or  emper- 
or, monarchy,  kingdom,  republic.  Isa.  11:  9:  "They 
shall  not  hurt  nor  destroy  in  all  my  holy  mountain  " 
— in  kingdom  of  Israel.  "  Sea  "  represents  great  mul- 
titudes of  people.  But  a  real  mountain  will  fall  into 
the  sea,  and  waters  and  earth  will  be  affected  un- 
favorably in  judgments. 

Star-like  Torch. 

What  does  the  third  angel  proclaim? 

He  announced  a  falling  star,  a  great  star,  and  when 
it  fell  upon  rivers  and  springs  they  became  like 
wormwood  in  bitterness.  The  smaller  streams  were 
affected  like  the  larger  bodies  of  water.  Here  you 
observe  the  pale  horse  and  his  rider  Death  is  still 
going  over  the  earth. 

Do  any  movements  come  pouring  in  out  of  the  third 
bowl? 

Yes ;  the  rivers  and  springs  were  also  injured  by 
this  bowl  contents.     Blood  was  the  agent  to  injure. 

Confer  with  Psa.  78:  44  and  Ex.  7:  20.  These 
were  typical  of  this  larger  one  in  Revelation. 


96  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

What  is  taught  in  16:  yj? 

In  the  midst  of  judgment  workings  an  angel  of  the 
waters  cried :  "  Thou  art  just,  thou  who  art  and  who 
wast,"  the  Holy  One  in  inflicting  this  judgment. 

Why  does  this  angel  of  waters  thus  justify  the 
Holy  One? 

Because  the  ones  who  are  getting  this  affliction 
"  shed  the  blood  of  Christ's  people  and  of  the 
prophets,"  so  God  gives  them  back  some  blood  to 
drink.  This  is,  in  principle,  men  reaping  what  they 
have  sown. 

What  was  the  altar  response? 

"  O  Lord,  our  God,  the  Almighty,  true  and  just 
are  thy  judgments."    This  was  a  celestial  witness. 

STUDY  TWENTY-TWO 
Blasted  Luminaries. 

"The  fourth  angel  blew;  and  a  third  of  the  sun 
and  a  third  of  the  moon  and  a  third  of  the  stars  were 
blasted,  so  that  the  third  of  them  was  eclipsed,  and 
the  third  part  of  the  day  there  was  no  light,  and  at 
night  it  was  the  same"    (8:   12). 

What  is  the  Harmony  between  this  trumpet  and 
the  fourth  bowlf 

"  The  fourth  angel  empties  his  bowl  upon  the  sun ; 
and  it  was  permitted  to  scorch  men  with  fire"  (16: 
8).     There  is  perfect  agreement. 

What  effect  did  this  scorching  have  upon  the  men? 

"  They  maligned  the  name  of  God  who  controlled 
these  curses,  but  they  did  not  repent  and  give  him 
praise." 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  97 

Under  the  most  favorable  conditions,  in  peace,,  in 
distress,  and  under  all  conditions  men  have  maligned 
God;  now  they  have  come  to  the  full  and  meet  judg- 
ment. 

In  these  workings  the  "  sun  "  was  affected  so  as 
to  unite  in  judgment.  The  heavenly  birds  are  called 
in  to  bring  a  deep  consciousness  of  the  wicked. 

The  First  Woe  Declared. 

What  message  does  the  flying  eagle  thrust  in  be- 
tween the  first  four  trumpets  and  the  last  three? 

This  eagle-angel  brings  to  the  people  of  the  earth 
the  announcement  of  the  first  "  woe  "  in  a  threefold 
force.  "  There  will  be  WOE,  WOE,  WOE  for  all 
who  live  on  the  earth,  at  the  blast  of  the  trumpets  of 
the  three  other  angels  who  are  about  to  blow." 

Why  are  the  "  woes "  intensified  by  two  being 
added  to  ONE? 

Because  the  wickedness  is  intensifying! 
Will    the    other    three    trumpets    announce    more 
severe  judgments  on  the  way? 

Thus  says  the  "  angel  flying  through  the  midst  of 
heaven"  (8:  13). 

Three  woes  or  intense  miseries  are  announced. 

It  summons  the  most  awful  demonstrations  of  sin 
yet  uncovered. 


98  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 


Apollyon  Chapter. — IX 

Lucifer  an  Outcast. 

This  chapter  contains  the  fifth  and  sixth  trumpets. 
Between  the  first  and  twelfth  verses  the  first  woe 
works.     It  is  awful  in  its  ravages ! 

"  The  fifth  angel  blew ;  and  I  saw  a  star  had  fallen 
upon  the  earth  from  the  heavens,  and  to  him  was 
given  the  key  to  the  pit  "  (9 :  1 ) . 

Who  is  this  star  from  heaven? 

John  does  not  say  he  saw  this  star  fall,  but  names 
him  as  a  star  "  had  fallen  "  upon  the  earth.  Things 
are  ascribed  to  him ;  so  he  is  not  a  meteor,  not  a  literal 
star,  but  like  his  crowd,  the  fallen  stars  sang  together 
(Job  38:  4-7).  Then  they  sinned  (2  Peter  2:4; 
Eph.  6:  6;  Col.  2:  15).  One  was  their  chief — the 
"old  dragon,  Satan,  Devil,  serpent  (Rev.  12:  9). 
Once  he  was  Lucifer,  "  Light-bearer."  But  he  willed 
to  go  wrong  (Isa.  14:  12,  13).  He  made  five  wills 
and  got  away  from  God  as  many  others  have  by 
WILL. 

What  will  he  do  to  the  abyss? 

He  will  open  his  abyss  where  demons  or  angels  are. 
He  will  let  them  loose  and  send  them  forth  with  awful 
woes  or  hurts. 

What  does  the  fifth  bowl  portray? 

First  woe  begins. 
Beast. 

Then  the  fifth  angel  emptied  his  bowl  upon  the 
throne. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION  99 

Satan  Tested. 

What  occurred  when  fifth  bowl  was  emptied? 

"  Darkness  fell  upon  Satan's  kingdom."  The  fifth 
trumpet  had  announced  the  star's  arrival.  The  bowl 
meets  him  and  puts  judgment  of  darkness  upon 
Satan's  kingdom. 

What  effect  did  darkness  have  upon  wicked  people? 
"  Men  gnawed  their  tongues   for  pain  because  of 
their  sores"  (16:  10,  11).    There  is  no  penitence. 

What  does  the  trumpet  further  announce? 

"  Smoke  came  out  of  the  pit  like  a  great  furnace." 
This  agrees  with  the  darkness  of  16 :  10.  Smoke 
blinds  the  eyes ;  Satan  is  a  complete  blinder.  His 
smoke  does  it ;  it  darkens  counsel. 

What  came  out  of  the  smoke? 
Locusts  will  receive  power  same  as  scorpions. 
Why  not  injure  the  grass  or  any  plant  or  any  tree? 
Because  they  are  only  able  to  injure  people. 

Are  the  demons  thus  let  loose  able  to  hurt  God's 
people? 

No;  those  who  are  sealed  by  the  Lord  can  not  be 
hurt. 

The  unsealed  ones,  however,  are  injured. 

How  long  will  Satan  injure  his  own? 
In  his  fearful  wrath  he  will  sting  men  five  months, 
150  days. 

Will  men  try  to  die? 
They  will,  but  can  not  die. 


100  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

What  will  be  the  shape  of  the  locusts? 

They  are  great  imitators  or  borrowers,  like  men, 
who  are  unwilling  to  learn  from  God's  Book  their 
duties  and  joys,  but  lean  upon  preachers  who  per- 
vert truth.  Satan's  demons  have  men's  faces,  hair 
like  women,  teeth  like  lions,  locusts'  bodies,  tails  like 
scorpions. 

Counterfeits. 

Whom  does  Satan  imitate  here? 

He  imitates  intelligence,  stigmatizes  woman's  long 
hair,  which  is  her  glory,  wears  brass  crowns,  polished 
to  look  like  gold,  and  arm  themselves  with  breast- 
plates ;  thus  play  soldier,  go  like  aircraft,  with  wings 
galloping  off  to  battle.  "  Their  stings  are  in  their 
tails" — tails  stand  for  lies  (Isa.  9:  15) — like  a  re- 
treating army,  do  lots  of  damage  in  the  rear.  Subtile, 
acute,  penetrating  like  their  master,  Satan,  they  go 
out  to  intensify  those  already  under  Satan's  dominion. 
The  time  is  short,  so  Satan  hurries  them  on  to  arouse 
the  wrath  of  all  such  as  might  repent.  God  again 
spares  two-thirds  of  the  men.  "  His  mercy  endureth 
forever." 

Who  is  their  king? 

Abaddon  or  Apollyon    (the  destroyer). 

"  Two  more  woes  are  yet  to  come."  Sin  produces 
misery. 

More  Degradation. 

Does  not  the  Holy  Spirit  predict  that  totvard  the 
end  of  the  age  "  evil  men  shall  wax  worse  and  worse, 
deceiving  and  being  deceived  "  ? 

He  does  (2  Tim.  3:  13).    Even  bad  men  say,  "  His- 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         101 

tory  repeats  itself."  God  repeats  for  delivery;  and 
here  the  Spirit  speaks  of  an  awful  repetition.  He  tells 
of  the  end  being  like  the  end  of  the  second  age  and 
of  Lot,  Sodom  and  Gomorrah — horrible  conditions ! 
But  men  will  not  repent,  even  if  conscious  of  what  is 
on  the  way. 

STUDY  TWENTY-THREE 
Unchaining  Anarchy. 

What  was  the  meaning  of  the  sixth  trumpet;  what 
did  it  announce ? 

The  sixth  angel  spake  "  from  the  corners  of  the 
golden  [royal]  altar."  He  spake  from  a  high  and 
holy  position.  And  this  is  what  he  spake:  "  Set  free 
the  four  angels  that  are  in  chains  at  the  great  river 
Euphrates." 

Were  they  freed? 

Then  the  four  angels  that  were  held  in  readiness 
for  that  hour  and  day  and  month  and  year  were  set 
free  to  destroy  mankind.  This  brings  man  very 
close  to  Armageddon,  close  to  the  great  army  of  the 
East  that  will  gather  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem  to  take 
a  spoil,  to  capture  all  Israel. 

And  what  shall  be  the  number  of  the  army? 

Two  hundred  millions.  The  present  European 
army  is  a  type  of  Armageddon. 

"Fire  Breastplates." 

What  were  their  appearances? 

Something  like  these  is  now  being  used  in  the 
European  war.     Bombs  with  fire  and  gas  are  hurled 


102  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

at  each  other.  Our  own  government,  boastful  peace 
people,  are  treating  with  the  leading  electricians 
to  invent  electrical  apparatus  to  help  destroy  men 
in  war.  The  instruments  of  war  will  greatly  increase 
in  destructiveness  as  the  end  approaches.  Explosive 
material,  heat,  electricity,  gas,  any  deadly  substance 
will  be  certain  to  be  brought  into  use  when  Satan  lets 
loose  the  underworld  spirits. 

What  does  the  Spirit  say  about  destructive  means? 

"  Through  these  three  curses  " — fire,  smoke,  sul- 
phur— a  third  of  mankind  dies.  Why?  Because  the 
fire,  the  smoke,  and  the  sulphur  issued  from  their 
mouths  and  in  their  tails  (lies)  were  stings  (9:  18). 
They  will  war  from  both  their  fronts  and  rears ;  truth 
and  lies  will  mingle. 

Sin  Hardens. 

Does  this  awful  carnage  cause  the  ungodly  to  re- 
pent? 

They  will  not  abandon  "  the  worship  of  evil  spirits, 
and  of  idols  made  of  gold  or  silver  or  brass  or  stone 
or  wood,  which  can  neither  see,  hear,  or  walk." 
Neither  "  did  they  repent  of  their  murders,  their 
sorceries"  (black  magic),  wizardries,  "their  licen- 
tiousness, or  their  thefts"   (9:  21). 

What  is  the  bowl  testimony  (16:  12-14)  ? 

"  Then  the  sixth  angel  emptied  his  bowl  upon  the 
great  river  Euphrates;  and  the  water  in  the  river 
dried  up,  so  that  the  road  for  the  kings  of  the  east 
might   be   made   ready." 

Why  are  angels  associated  with   this  great  river? 

It  is  by  these  waters  that  many  great  nations  have 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         103 

come  and  gone  in  past  dispensations ;  it  is  by  these 
waters  that  the  image  seen  by  Nebuchadnezzar  arose 
and  was  symbolic  of  national  characteristics  to  the 
end  of  human  kingdoms;  it  was  by  these  waters  wars 
arose  and  spread  over  the  earth ;  it  was  by  these 
waters  that  the  earth  was  divided,  one  part  Gentile 
and  the  other  Israel,  who  are  like  a  little  rill  running 
through  the  earth  to  keep  God's  claims  alive ;  it  was 
by  these  great  waters  that  coming  potencies  from  on 
high  will  again  take  root,  prosper  and  reach  per- 
fection, all  things  reaching  their  normal  conditions. 
Abraham's  possessions  join  these  waters  on  the  east. 

Organized  Evil. 

What  mighty  dynasty  arose  along  the  Euphrates? 

As  a  great  national  type,  Mohammedanism  arose 
in  the  Euphrates  region  and  spread  out  over  much 
of  the  earth ;  and  its  antitype  the  world-wide  army 
will  come  to  the  same  region  to  war  against  God  and 
there  be  destroyed   (Rev.  19:  9). 

Which  Way. 

Is  the  world  of  mankind  getting  better? 

Some  better  in  transportation,  better  in  construc- 
tions, better  in  quick  communication,  better  in  phi- 
lanthropies, better  in  agriculture,  but  who  dares  to 
strike  against  truth  by  saying  "  getting  better  in  holi- 
ness, better  in  Christ's  righteousness,  better  in  na- 
tional peace,  better  in  socialities,  better  in  obedience 
to  the  commandments  of  Jesus  and  the  Holy  Spirit "  ? 
No,  not  all ! 


104  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Froglike  Spirits. 

What  constitute  the  "  three  unclean  spirits  like 
frogs  "  ? 

Well,  since  they  come  out  of  the  mouth  of  the 
Dragon,  the  Beast  and  the  False  Prophet,  they  surely 
are  unclean ! !  With  evil  spirits,  enchantments, 
wizardry,  necromancies,  witchery,  black  magic,  sooth- 
saying, divinations,  spiritualisms,  murders,  drunken- 
ness, lying,  fraudulences,  adulteries,  and  the  hosts  of 
sins  un judged,  all  marshaled  by  Satan  for  one  des- 
perate onslaught  upon  the  human  family  remaining 
upon  the  earth,  what  may  be  expected  from  their 
combined  attack  upon  the  remainder  of  the  human 
family?  What  kind  of  civilization  will  it  then  be 
called?  Three  unclean  spirits!  Ahab  was  the  type 
of  the  coming  day!  A  lying  prophet  went  to  him 
and  persuaded  him  to  do  great  evils !  Spirits  working 
miracles !  God  will  be  very  busy  and  of  course  Satan 
will  too.  Satan's  miracles  will  be  supernatural,  like 
God's.  Satan  will  try  to  offset  every  miracle  of  God 
by  producing  similar  miracles,  "  and  no  marvel  " — 
"  Even  Satan  disguises  himself  as  an  angel  of  light." 
It  is  not  surprising,  therefore,  if  his  servants  also 
disguise  themselves  as  servants  of  righteousness  "  (2 
Cor.  11:  14-15). 

Unrighteousness  Desperate. 

Such  spirits  in  disobedient  men  will  try  to  over- 
turn all  righteousness  of  Christ.  Do  they  not  try  to 
abolish  God  from  their  minds — even  try  to  compel  the 
Bible  to  stay  out  of  the  public  schools,  thus  dishon- 
oring God  ?    They  are  willing  to  be  counted  "  gods," 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         105 

but  refuse  the  one  true  God  who  created  the  heavens 
and  the  earth  and  all  in  them.  Of  his  substance  they 
partake  in  abundance,  but  as  to  their  services  they  are 
scant. 

The  Delay  of  Blessings. 

Why  are  blessings  so  long  delayed? 

Blessings  are  sometimes  slower  in  coming  because 
administrations  must  come  into  their  places  first. 

Are  martyred  sons  and  daughters  of  God  types  of 
any  people? 

They  are.  When  the  day  or  time  of  judgment  ar- 
rives many  will  lose  their  lives  because  they  refuse 
to  join  in  the  revelry  and  hatred  of  the  age.  Former 
believers  became  martyrs  because  they  were  hated 
by  such  as  were  not  in  Christ.  All  martyred  ones  in 
the  past  are  types  of  the  last  martyred  people  to  whom 
God  will  say :  "  Happy  are  those  who  are  on  the 
watch  and  keep  their  clothing  under  their  eye,  that 
they  will  have  to  walk  unclothed  and  let  men  see  their 
nakedness"   (Rev.  16:  15). 

Where  will  the  kings  gather  their  armies  to  war 
against  God? 

"  Then  their  spirits  collected  their  kings  at  the 
place  called  Har-ma-ged-don."  There  Satan  will 
make  his  last  effort  to  overcome  Christ  and  his  hosts. 
This  region  includes  the  mountain  and  valley  of 
Megiddo,  or  the  valley  of  Jezreel.  The  first  attack 
of  Satan  upon  Jerusalem  will  be  east  and  south  to- 
ward Moab,  but  being  shut  off,  he  will  swing  his 
forces  around  to  the  north  and  strike  from  Megiddo. 


106  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

The  word  "  Jezreel "  means  to  "  cut  off  or  slay." 
What  was  formerly  known  as  Megiddo  is  now  called 
Lejjun. 

The  study  of  the  following  named  scriptures  con- 
cerning Megiddo  will  prove  interesting  and  may  give 
you  some  clue  why  Satan  will  collect  his  forces  at  this 
point  for  his  last  great  struggle  with  Christ  for  world- 
wide supremacy  at  the  close  of  the  seventh  age : 
Joshua  11:  17;  Judges  1:  27,  and  5:  19;  1  Kings  4: 
12;  2  Kings  9:  27  and  23:  29-33;  2  Chron.  35:  22. 

STUDY  TWENTY-FOUR 

The  Cloud-Clothed  Angel  Chapter. — X 

A  Mighty  Angel. 

With  what  does  this  chapter  begin? 

It  begins  with  another  "  mighty  angel "  coming 
down  to  earth  clothed  with  a  cloud,  a  "  rainbow  on 
his  head,"  having  a  shining  face,  and  feet  like  pil- 
lars of  brass.  This  is  a  description  similar  to  one  in 
the  first  chapter. 

From  verse  1  to  verse  14  in  chapter  11  is  a  great 
parenthesis,  because  in  chapter  11  and  verse  15  the 
seventh  trumpet  and  seventh  bowl  begin. 

What  is  taught  between  the  sixth  and  seventh 
trumpets? 

The  mighty  angel's  mission ;  the  little  book  eaten ; 
times  of  the  Gentiles;  prophecy  of  two  witnesses;  and 
the  second  woe. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         107 

Mighty  Mightiness. 

Who  is  the  Mighty  Angel? 

It  is  none  other  than  Christ  himself,  coming  to 
give  movement  to  increased  judgment  forces.  He  is 
the  "  Strong  One,"  "  the  Mighty  One  "  ;  The  El- 
shad-dai  of  the  Old  Testament.  Mighty  One  is  a 
titled  office ! 

Cloud-clothed  indicates  majesty,  royalty  in  its  best; 
rainbow  shows  his  peaceful  purposes ;  a  sunshine 
countenance  signifies  brilliancies ;  his  feet  like  brass 
presents  his  power  of  judgment. 

What  kind  of  a  book  did  he  hold  in  his  hand? 

It  is  called  "  a  little  book."  With  this  book  in  hand 
he  claimed  his  right  to  the  sea  and  to  the  land.  Had 
he  not  bought  them?  It  likely  was  the  same  book 
that  he  unsealed  in  chapter  6. 

Why  did  he  cry  with  a  loud  voice? 

He  made  known  his  right  to  the  whole  earth  so 
that  all  might  know  his  claims. 
Seven  Thunders. 

What  was  the  response  to  the  mighty  voice? 

Seven  mighty  thunders  responded.  Evidently  they 
were  responses  of  approbation.  They  were  so  great 
and  so  significant  that  John  was  forbidden  to  write 
their  meaning  and  purposes.  No  one  knows  the 
why  of  the  thunders.  God  sealed  them ;  closed  them 
from  man.  When  God  closes  things,  man  wants  them 
open ;  when  God  opens  things,  then  man  wants  them 
otherwise.     Man  is  a  stubborn  creature. 

However,  this  much  may  be  inferred:  the  seven 
responses    from   heaven    in    thunder   sounds    indicate 


108  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

approbation  of  Christ's  claims  to  sea  and  earth,  his 
purchased  possessions  (Eph.  1:  14;  Rom.  8:  19). 
Were  other  visions  ordered  "  shut  up "  t 
Daniel  (8:  26)  was  ordered  to  shut  up  the  vision 
because  it  was  "  for  many  days."  Daniel  saw  and 
understood  many  things  given  him  by  Jehovah.  He 
was  told  of  the  seven  desolations. 

(1)  Of  the  sanctuary  (Dan.  8:  13). 

(2)  Of  the  sanctuary   (9:  17). 

(3)  Of  the  land  (9:  18). 

(4)  Of  the  sanctuary  (9:  26).  Fulfilled  A.  D. 
70. 

(5,  6,  7)  Of  the  sanctuary,  by  the  Beast  (Dan.  9: 
27;  11:  31;  12:  11;  Matt.  24:  15;  Mark  13:  14;  2 
Thess.  2:  3,  8-12;  Rev.  13:  24;  16:  14). 

Man  could  not  be  trusted  with  some  of  God's 
things,  so  he  sealed  them  until  man  would  make  him- 
self worthy  to  know  them. 

How  did  the  Mighty  Angel  announce  the  closing  of 
time? 

By  a  most  solemn  oath  (Heb.  6:  13-20). 

When  will  the  secret  purposes  of  God  be  made 
known? 

"  When  the  seventh  angel  shall  be  ready  to  blow 
his  blast." 

What  is  the  mystery  of  God  that  shall  be  finished 
when  the  seventh  angel  shall  announce  the  consum- 
mations of  the  seventh  bowl  of  16:  iy? 

The  Mystery  of  God  Finished. 

A  mystery  is  "  a  secret,  something  hid,  or  a  thing 
utterly    unknown    to    man."      Evidence    shows    that 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         109 

what  is  "  a  mystery "  is  known  to  be  mysterious. 
"  The  mystery  of  God  "  here  named  is  now  no  mys- 
tery, because  through  Christ  as  the  Divine  Medium 
to  bring  away  the  mystery  and  show  us  the  reality, 
and  making  Paul  the  messenger  of  meaning  as  to  the 
creation  of  the  church  for  this  age. 

Taking  On. 

First,  the  Word  incarnated  or  taking  on  flesh  was 
uncovered. 

Second,  his  power  to  take  on  or  take  in  him  all  the 
fulness  of  the  Godhead,  so  that  he  became  the  em- 
bodiment of  all  knowledge  and  every  divine  principle 
of  salvation.  He  broke  down  the  middle  wall  be- 
tween Jew  and  Gentile,  and  gave  Israel  hope  of  be- 
coming all  that  was  promised  Abraham.  He  be- 
came the  Head  of  the  church,  his  body  designed  as 
his  bride.  This  mystery  has  been  cleared  away  by 
Christ  and  the  apostles  in  their  Holy  Ghosted  powers. 

Christ  lacks  no  power  to  make  all  things  new  where 
once  all  things  were  old  and  wasting.  He  not  only 
claimed  the  earth  and  sea,  but  having  redeemed  them 
they  are  his.  Officially  he  claims  them,  and  at  the 
next  coming  he  will  possess  them  with  his  bride 
(Matt.  5:  5). 

Note. — Observe  the  words  "  should  be  finished  " 
in  10:  7,  and  compare  with  15:  1  and  16:  17.  The 
key  to  what  is  yet  unfulfilled  is  "  should  be  fulfilled." 


110  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 


STUDY  TWENTY-FIVE 

The  Little  Book  Eaten  (10:  8-11). 

Did  John  hear  a  voice  from  heaven? 

He  heard  Jesus'  voice  and  obeyed  just  as  he  did 
when  Jesus  was  on  the  earth  giving  him  commands 
and  directions.  An  obedient  disciple  on  earth  is  quite 
sure  to  be  obedient  in  heaven. 

What  was  the  Lord's  purpose  in  having  John  to 
eat  the  little  book? 

It  was  a  real  book,  for  what  has  symbol  to  do  with 
sweetness  and  bitterness?  John  did  as  commanded 
and  ascertained  results.  The  promises  of  God  are 
sweet  or  felicitous  to  the  mouth  and  his  judgments 
are  bitter  to  the  inward  parts.  Of  course  no  dis- 
cipline is  pleasant  at  the  time ;  on  the  contrary,  it  is 
painful.  But  afterwards  it  produces,  as  its  fruit,  a 
righteous  life  that  brings  peace  to  those  who  have 
been  trained  under  it.  Eating  or  exercising  is  neces- 
sary to  true  enjoyment   (John  6:  54). 

To  the  regenerated  man  all  of  God's  promises  are 
"  sweet  "  ;  and  as  John  was  in  heaven  when  he  was 
to  eat  the  little  book,  and  being  a  type  of  the  church 
in  her  rapture,  she  will  gladly  live  on  the  promises 
of  the  Lamb  (2  Peter  1 :  3-4). 

Why  is  the  same  book  bitter  to  the  stomach? 

Because  the  afflictions  thus  affect  one.  At  the  first 
passover  in  Egypt,  bitter  herbs  were  eaten,  expressive 
of  severe  afflictions  in  the  wilderness  journey.  Read 
Jer.  9:  15  for  wormwood  for  food. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         111 

Is  there  a  type  anywhere  partially  fulfilled? 

Rev.  8:  11  was  partially  filled  up  in  the  dispersion 
of  the  Jews  over  the  earth,  where  they  still  are.  This 
judgment  of  scattering  has  been  very  bitter  to  them. 
The  Word  of  God  did  it  (Matt.  23:  38).  All  af- 
flictions are  bitter  to  saints  and  are  to  be  borne  with 
patience  and  meekness,  as  are  sweet  things. 

Why  did  the  angel  tell  John  that  he  must  prophesy 
again? 

Because  God  has  set  him  apart  to  witness  for  him 
once  more  over  the  earth.  He  did  it  as  an  apostle ; 
he  did  it  as  the  writer  of  Revelation,  and  he  must 
come  again  during  the  great  tribulation  period  to 
witness  the  third  time.  This  threefold  witnessing  is 
a  deservedly  high  calling,  and  John  was  worthy  be- 
cause he  was  faithful  (Rev.  10:  11). 

Is  godly  obedience  always  valuable? 

Salvation  is  valuable  to  all  obedient  ones.  On 
earth  the  saved  ones  recognize  the  truth  that  obe- 
dience is  all-inclusive,  so  gathers  in  itself  all  of  the 
purchased  acts  and  all  of  the  processes. 

(1)  Justification — standing  right   with   God. 

(2)  Redemption — bought  off  or  bought  back  to 
one's  self. 

(3)  Propitiation — favorable  satisfaction,  or  ap- 
peasement. 

(4)  Imputation — reckoning  our  trespasses  to 
Christ. 


112  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 


The  Two-Witness  Chapter. — XI 

"  Times  of  the  Gentiles." 

What  can  be  learned  from  Christ's  words  in  Luke 
211  24? 

Times  of  Gentiles  and  fullness  of  Gentiles  are  given 
elsewhere. 

What  are  the  distinctions  between  the  "  God  of  the 
earth"  in  verse  4  and  "  God  of  heaven  "  in  verse  13 f 

It  is  the  same  God.  In  verse  4  God  is  standing  in 
the  attitude  of  bearing  up  his  two  earth  witnesses, 
and  in  verse  13  he  is  in  the  attitude  of  receiving 
glory  from  seven  thousand  who  came  gloriously  out 
of  the  second  woe. 

Measurements. 

Why  should  John  measure  temple,  altar,  worship- 
ers? 

In  Zechariah  2  a  man  with  a  measuring  line 
measured  Jerusalem  before  the  Jews  began  to  rebuild 
it.  A  new  construction  was  in  view,  hence  measure- 
ment; so  in  chapter  11  a  new  building  is  to  be  con- 
structed, as  a  reed  was  given  to  John  to  measure  the 
temple  of  God,  the  altar  and  the  worshipers.  The 
place  of  worship  must  be  just  right,  the  altar  at  which 
worship  is  offered  must  be  perfect,  and  the  worship- 
ers must  reach  the  requirements  of  a  just  God.  God 
demands  perfections. 

Must  disciples  of  Jesus  be  measured? 

Yes ;  the  standard  is  given  in  Matt.  5 :  48.     This 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         113 

perfection  lies  in  "  full  development  and  growth  into 
maturity  "  of  sainthood.  God  is  perfect  in  kindness ; 
so  can  a  saint  be. 

The  Altar  of  the  saints  is  Jesus  Christ,  who  is 
perfect.  Saints  must  worship  God  in  Spirit  and  in 
Truth. 

John  measured  all  those  things  because  he  was  yet 
on  earth  as  a  witness  for  Jesus  and  knew  what  was 
needed  for  perfections  among  saints.  He  was  fa- 
miliar with  the  work  of  believers  and  their  require- 
ments. 

STUDY  TWENTY-SIX 

Why  should  the  court  of  the  Gentiles  be  left  out? 

Because  the  worshipers  are  Israelites  regathered 
and  entering  upon  their  prescribed  worship  as  noted 
in  Ezek.  40  to  48.  It  occurs  during  Israel's  Kingdom- 
Age,  beginning  when  Jesus  comes  on  clouds  and  with 
great  glory  (Matt.  24:  30),  David  having  been  resur- 
rected to  be  their  Prince  (Ezek.  37:  24). 

During  that  thousand  years  the  Gentiles  can  ap- 
proach only  God  through  the  court  of  the  new  temple 
spoken  of  in  Ezekiel's  book. 

Give  something  about  the  forty-two  months. 

The  holy  city  will  be  under  their  heel  forty-two 
months. 

This  will  likely  occur  just  before  Christ's  appear- 
ance to  begin  his  reign ;  for,  during  the  great  tribu- 
lation, the  Jews  will  have  possession  of  Jerusalem, 
rebuild  the  temple  of  Ezekiel,  and  the  Gentiles  will 
greatly  oppress  them.  They  will  be  under  the  heel 
of  Gentile  dominion,  as  they  have  been  since  the  reign 


114  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

of  Nebuchadnezzar.    It  is  yet  the  "  times  of  the  Gen- 
tile "  empire  dominion   (Zech.  14:  1-3). 

The  "  Two  Witnesses."  Their  period  is  three  and 
one  half  years.  They  will  be  literal  men — for  how 
could  two  books  be  witnesses  and  be  killed  and  be 
called  "  men  "  ?  These  two  men  are  represented  by 
two  olive  trees  and  two  lamps  that  stand  before  the 
Lord  of  the  earth.  They  were,  as  all  saved  ones 
must  be,  submissive  to  Christ's  power  or  will  and 
obedient  to  his  commands. 

How  are  their  injuries  punished? 

By  fire  coming  down  from  heaven.  The  witnesses 
direct  punishments  upon  their  enemies.  Governments 
do  so  now,  and  such  punishments  seem  right  to  those 
who  are  protected  (Rev.  11  :  13). 

What  other  power  have  they? 

To  cause  the  rains  to  cease  during  their  prophesy- 
ing (verse  6). 

What  else? 

To  turn  streams  of  water  into  blood. 

Anything  else? 

"  To  smite  the  earth  with  a  curse." 

Will  there  azvait  them  any  vengeance? 

"  That  wild  beast  of  the  pit,"  Satan  himself,  will 
"  make  war  upon  the  two  witnesses,"  conquer  and 
kill  them  (Dan.  7:  3,  7,  8). 

How  long  will  the  bodies  of  God's  prophets  lie  in 
the  public  streets  of  mystical  Sodom  in  Egyptian 
darkness? 

Three  and  one  half  days  (Isa.  1 :  10). 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         115 

How  will  their  enemies  receive  the  news? 

With  great  joy.  They  "  will  rejoice  over  them. 
They  will  make  merry,  sending  presents  to  one  an- 
other." 

Why  is  forty-two  months  named  as  the  time? 

Seis  says :  "  When  it  is  meant  that  we  should  take 
numbers  and  dates  some  other  way  than  as  read,  he 
gives  us  intimation  of  it." 

The  ark  was  in  the  country  of  the  Philistines  seven 
months.  And  Jerusalem's  last  great  trial  is  computed 
in  months,  as  well  as  the  term  of  the  blasphemies  of 
the  beast.  Further  he  says :  "  The  number  of  the 
months  is  forty-two — six  times  the  period  that  the 
ark  was  in  captivity.  Six  is  the  number  of  evil,  and 
seven  of  dispensational  completion,  and  these  two 
are  two  marked  factors  of  forty-two." 

Much  has  been  speculated  as  to  who  shall  be  those 
two  godly  witnesses.  Already  John  has  been  told 
he  should  again  prophesy,  witness  before  nations, 
peoples  and  languages.     He  is  one  of  the  two. 

Who  is  the  other  one? 

Possibly  Enoch,  on  the  other  side  of  the  flood,  is 
the  other  witness.  He  was  the  seventh  from  Adam 
— God's  consummation  of  a  great  type  for  an  en- 
larged fulfillment. 

Enoch  is  a  type  of  whom? 

Enoch,  the  seventh  from  Adam,  was  translated,  not 
tasting  death  (Heb.  11:5  and  Gen.  5:  24).  He  thus 
became  a  type  of  the  translated  church,  before  the 
great  storm  of  sin  being  judged  sweeps  over  the  earth. 
As  Enoch  escaped  the  judgment  of  the  flood,  so  the 


116  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

church  will  escape  the  judgment  of  the  "  great  tribu- 
lation "  (1  Thess.  4:  16). 

Is  forty  and  two  months  only  three  and  one-half 
years? 

Whenever  a  day  stands  for  a  year,  the  Lord  gives 
some  intimation  of  the  figure.  Troubles  and  af- 
flictions are  joined  to  this  remarkable  occurrence, 
hence  it  means  just  three  and  one-half  years.  The 
period  of  the  flood  was  expressed  in  months,  and  they 
were  literal  months ;  the  people  were  immersed  in 
afflictions. 

Ezek.  39:  12  is  just  seven  months,  no  more.  Rev. 
9:  5  means  just  five  months;  there  is  misery  con- 
nected with  the  five.  First  Sam.  6:  1  was  seven 
literal  months ;  the  ark  of  the  Lord  was  out  of  its 
place  among  curses. 

Who  brings  life  into  the  "  two  witnesses  "  ? 

God  resuscitates  them,  and  invites  them  to  "  Come 
up  here."  Up  to  heaven  they  will  go  in  the  presence 
of  their  enemies  (Rev.  11). 

Will  there  be  a  general  rejoicing  over  their  death ? 

Yes;  even  they  will  be  so  glad  that  they  will  make 
each  other  gifts,  the  public  rejoicings,  the  hilarity, 
the  jollity,  the  merriment  will  be  national  in  charac- 
ter. Every  saloon  dive,  every  prostitute,  every  crimi- 
nal, every  false  hope,  every  unsound  faith,  every 
excuser  for  truth,  every  infamous  clique,  every  sup- 
pressor of  moral  right,  every  opposer  of  the  Bible, 
every  thief,  every  greedy  growler,  every  pestilential 
fellow  will  rejoice  in  the  death  of  God's  witnesses. 
But  soon  thereafter  men's  hearts  will  fail  for  fear  of 
coming  events. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         117 

How  do  the  resurrected  witnesses  go  into  heaven? 

They  ascend  in  a  cloud  with  power  from  above  ; 
glory  around  them;  earth  is  defeated  again.  It  al- 
ways goes  down  in  contacts  with  heaven. 

What  ends  at  this  time? 

The  second  woe  ends ;  with  the  ending  comes  a 
terrific  earthquake,  a  tenth  of  Jerusalem  falls,  seven 
thousand  men  are  slain. 

What  did  the  remnant  of  the  Jews  do?  They 
were  greatly  affrighted !  and  this  scare  caused  them 
to  give  God  glory.  It  was  the  fright  of  penitence! 
This  is  always  a  good  fright  to  get ! 

STUDY  TWENTY-SEVEN 

We  are  still  in  the  seven  trumpet — universal  an- 
nouncement for  the  seven  bowl  activities— judgments 
of  sin.  We  are  passing  from  the  second  paren- 
thetical teaching  or  heavenly  praise  before  a  new 
administration.  This  joyous  glory-praise  is  followed 
by  the  seventh  trumpet  which  runs  through  11:  15- 
19. 

What  did  the  seventh  or  consummating  angel  an- 
nounce? 

His  announcement  quickened  felicitous  heavenly 
voices  into  a  widespread  joy  that  "  the  kingdom  of 
the  world  has  become  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  of 
his  Christ  and  he  will  reign  forever."  Obadiah  pre- 
dicted that  "  the  kingdom  shall  be  the  Lord's." 

Can  the  kingdom  of  the  world,  once  organized  by 
Satan  for  his  use  (Luke  4:  5-6),  become  Christ's 
without  Satan  being  put  into  the  pit? 


118  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

By  no   means ;    for  all   things   will   be   put   under 
Jesus'  power  (1  Cor.  15:  27). 
Will  Jesus  reign  on  the  earth? 

Why  should  he  stay  away  when,  as  Conqueror,  he 
has  sole  charge  of  all  things  on  the  earth?  Besides, 
the  Holy  Spirit  definitely  says  that  Jesus  is  worthy 
"  and  has  made  us  [saints]  unto  our  God  kings  and 
priests;  and  we  shall  reign  on  earth"  (Rev.  5:  10; 
1:  5-6;  Rom.  4:  17;  15:  12).  The  testimony  of 
Jesus'  coming  and  reigning  is  so  abundant  that  there 
should  be  no  difficulties  raised  about  Christ  being 
King  over  the  kingdom  of  the  world  in  its  regener- 
ated state  (Matt.  19:  28).  The  world  can  never 
reach  the  palingenesia  by  its  self-reforms,  but  Christ 
will  see  that  the  world  of  man  will  be  "  in  the  re- 
generation when  the  Son  of  man  shall  sit  in  the  throne 
of  his   glory." 

What  effect  did  this  great  proclamation  have  upon 
the  twenty-four  elders? 

"  They  fell  upon  their  faces  "  (bowed  before  the 
Lord),  "  and  worshiped  God." 

What  is  their  high  calling? 

To  praise  and  worship  God  at  the  beginning  or  at 
the  ending  of  some  felicitous  administration  from 
heaven.  Worship  is  never  separated  from  any  of 
God's  movements. 

What  did  the  heavenly  ones  say  in  prayer? 

"  We  thank  thee,  O  Lord  our  God  the  Almighty, 
who  art  and  wast,  that  thou  didst  exercise  thy  great 
power  and  didst  REIGN.  The  heathen  were  enraged, 
and  thy  judgment  fell  upon  them;  the  time  came  for 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         119 

the  dead  to  be  judged,  and  for  thee  to  give  the  re- 
ward to  thy  servants,  the  prophets,  and  to  the  people 
of  Christ,  and  to  those  who  reverence  thee,  the  high 
and  low  ALIKE,  and  to  destroy  those  who  are  de- 
stroying the  earth." 

When  is  this  to  occur? 

Evidently  this  judgment  will  be  at  the  first  resur- 
rection which  connects  later  with  his  coming  to  judge 
the  nations.    It  is  called  one  coming,  but  in  two  parts. 

Was  this  great  expression  by  the  twenty-four  eld- 
ers a  prayer? 

It  was  a  prayer  full  of  the  most  fervent  praise  and 
fulfillment  of  prophetic  perfections.  They  realized 
that  another  most  wonderful  construction  was  about 
to  begin — a  new  order  was  to  begin,  the  order  of 
judgment  against  sin,  and  the  bestowal  of  rewards 
to  saints  (Amos  4:  13;  Ex.  3:  15;  Isa.  41 :  4).  Here 
is  prophetic  praise  which  also  connects  with  Psa.  99: 
1  and  115:  13;  Amos  3:  7;  Dan.  9:  6,  10;  Zech.  1:  6. 

What  was  seen  in  heaven?  "The  ark  of  his  tes- 
tament." The  tabernacle  ark  was  the  depository  of 
God's  evidence,  a  reliquary  or  chest,  two  and  one- 
half  cubits  long,  one  and  a  half  broad,  and  the  same 
in  depth,  or  in  our  measurements  forty-five  inches 
long,  twenty-seven  inches  broad  and  the  same  in 
depth.  It  doubtless  corresponded  to  the  one  here 
mentioned,  for  God  gave  Moses  the  pattern. 

Forceful  Judgments: 

What  other  events  took  place  as  witnesses  to  God's 
judgments? 

Lightnings,  voices,  thunderings  and  earthquake  and 


120  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

great  hail.    All  these  are  indicative  of  forceful  judg- 
ments,  corrective  in  character. 

Do  these  commotions  in  nature  cause  men  to  re- 
pent? 

They  do  not  cause  all  to  repent,  but  some  turn  to 
God.  These  shakings  and  activities  in  nature  produce 
motions  among  some  men,  ending  in  judgment  saints; 
"  saved  by  fire."  Sin  so  hardens  the  heart  that  neither 
grace  nor  judgments  turn  some  away  from  sins  (1 
Peter  4:  17).  These  commotions  in  nature  indicate 
that  nature  is  suffering  in  sympathy  with  suffering 
mankind. 

Do  those  European  horrors  come  under  the  trum- 
pets and  bowls? 

Symbolically  they  do.  If  you  study  history  from 
Babylon  on,  you  will  learn  that  the  Gentile-world 
powers  in  each  great  war  have  intensified  the  hor- 
rors. "  Beast "  stands  for  the  Babylon,  Persian  and 
Grecian,  and  that  nondescript  creature  for  Roman 
Empire.  These  symbols  are  vivid  descriptions  of  the 
character  each  has  been.  Europe  is  still  in  the  iron- 
toothed  creature,  "great  and  terrible"  of  Daniel  7: 
7.  This  horrible  creature,  voracious,  persistent, 
vengeful,  from  its  beginning,  the  Roman  Empire,  has 
increased  its  wars  in  intensity  and  magnitude  until 
now  its  fierceness  with  modern  destructive  powers  ex- 
cels anything  ever  before  known  on  the  globe.  For- 
merly the  destruction  of  man  in  wars  was  confined 
to  sea  and  land.  Now  two  more  places  are  added — 
the  thing  is  doubled — in  the  water  and  in  the  air. 
No  wonder  the  angel  says :  "  Babylon  is  fallen,  fal- 
len "  ;  the  judgment  is  doubled. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION        121 

What  may  be  learned  by  this  intensity  ? 

This  may  be  learned ;  each  worse  one  becomes  a 
type  of  the  next  one  until  the  last  war,  the  last  plague, 
the  last  pestilence,  the  last  famine  will  be  world-wide. 
This  one  may  run  almost  around  the  globe,  but  look 
carefully  in  the  Bible  for  the  next  one.  The  spirit 
of  the  three  beasts  still  runs  with  "  terrible  "  intensity 
throughout  the  Roman  Empire  territory. 

Are  not  the  nations  of  the  world  reaching  republic- 
anism, and  thus  becoming  better? 

Truly  the  nations  are  striving  for  a  pure  democ- 
racy, but  does  not  the  great  train  of  evils  move  right 
along  in  the  same  grooves?  The  rejecting  of  some 
of  the  Word  weakens  the  nations ;  as  also  do  fashions, 
secret  vices,  corrupt  business,  haughtiness ;  oppres- 
sion of  the  poor,  the  continual  demand  for  self-serv- 
ice, instead  of  refinement  and  national  righteousness. 

When  does  God  say  the  end  of  the  age  shall  be? 

His  answer  is  found  in  Matt.  24:  14. 

What  are  the  signs  of  latter-day  apostasies? 

Here  is  the  list  made  by  the  Holy  Spirit:  2  Tim. 
3:  1-5. 

1.  People  will  be  selfish,  mercenary,  boastful, 
haughty,  blasphemous. 

Here  are  five  most  hurtful  conditions. 

2.  They  will  be  disobedient  to  their  parents. 

Is  this  a  condition  of  joyousness?    Is  it  felicity? 

3.  They  will  be  ungrateful,  impure,  incapable  of 
affection,  merciless,  slanderous,  wanting  in  self-con- 


122  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

trol,  brutal,  careless  of  the  right,  treacherous,  reck- 
less and  puffed  up  with  pride. 

Here  are  eleven  bad  conditions. 

4.  They  will  love  pleasure  more  than  they  love  God. 

5.  While  they  retain  the  outward  form  of  religion, 
they  will  refuse  to  allow  it  to  influence  them.  Twen- 
ty fearful  evils  running  through  mankind.  Is  this 
quite  general  among  professors  of  the  Bible?  God 
still  has  a  remnant ;  forget  not  this ! 

What  shall  the  true  child  of  God  do  amidst  all 
these  apostasies? 

"  Turn  your  back  on  such  men  as  these." 

"  What    lack    of    broad-mindedness    and    so-called 

charity  by  turning  your  back  on  all  such  conduct !  " 

say  the  worldly-minded. 

Are  there  any  other  scriptures  showing  last-day 
conditions? 

Get  Jesus'  picture  in  Matt.  24:  38:  "For  just  as 
in  the  days  of  Noah,  so  it  will  be  at  the  coming  of 
the  Son  of  man." 

None  of  these  read  at  all  like  most  of  the  modern 
teachings,  that  say :  "  See  what  we  are  doing ! " 
Modern  boasting  in  evils  is  not  one  whit  whiter  than 
that  indulged  by  the  Jews  who  rejected  Christ. 

Amidst  the  awful  evils  both  open  and  secret  in 
men's  lives,  what  must  the  Christian  be  and  do? 

He  must  be  Christed,  consecrated,  overshadowed 
by  the  Spirit !  He  will  be  wholly  unselfish,  suffering, 
sacrificing. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         123 

2.  Not  following  a  sordid  employment,  not  a  hire- 
ling in  its  bad  sense. 

3.  Pure,  chaste,  holy. 

4.  Capable  of  holy  affection. 

5.  Merciful,  piteous,   charitable  and  kind. 

6.  Not  lying  in  wait  to  betray  brethren;  not  trying 
to  catch  words  or  testimony  to  carry  to  others  to 
do  harm ;  not  to  ambush. 

7.  Meek,  avoiding  boasting  whether  for  self  or  for 
the  church. 

8.  Modest,  retired,  thinking  lowly  of  self. 

9.  Imputing  pure  motives. 

10.  Careful  of  the  right,  giving  high  regard  to 
righteousness. 

11.  Not  puffed  up,  not  unduly  swelled  at  mental 
abilities. 

12.  Not  proud,  for  the  word  "  pride  "  or  "  proud  " 
is  not  used  in  the  Bible  in  a  good  sense.  How  then 
can  you  say,  "  I  am  proud  of  my  boy,"  or,  "  I  am 
proud  of  my  church,"  or  "  I  am  proud  of  my  people," 
or  "  I  am  proud  of  my  city,"  or  use  it  in  any  sense  for 
good?  Just  candidly,  why  do  you  use  it  to  express 
a  sense  of  joy?  Have  you  dropped  into  modern 
usage?  Our  old  preachers  used  to  warn  against  its 
use  as  now  used,  but  it  has  drifted  into  our  educa- 
tion, so  we  really  get  proud  and  boast  of  it! 

Did  God  ever  accept  a  religion  that  had  any  devil 
suggestion  in  it?  Does  a  devil-suggested  religion  ever 
bring  a  righteous  civilization? 

There  is  but  one  true  civilization,  and  that  grows 
out  of  that  personal  regeneration  which  God  ordained 
through  Jesus   Christ.     It  is  the  civilization  that  is 


124  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

"  born  again,"  not  of  corruptible  human  seed,  but  by 
the  "  Word  of  God."  European  civilization  was  not 
born  of  the  Word,  so  it  is  being  shot  to  pieces  with 
all  horrible  means.  Will  the  United  States  learn  the 
lesson,  or  will  she  go  headlong  into  the  same  ditch? 

Does  not  Europe  have  great  and  marvelous  uni- 
versities of  learning,  and  have  not  multitudes  from 
America  gone   to   those   universities  for  learning? 

Quite  true  as  to  human  greatness,  but  have  not 
Darwinism,  destructive  criticism  as  to  the  inspiration, 
authenticity,  genuineness  and  power  of  the  Scrip- 
tures come  from  those  same  European  universities 
and  "  seduced "  a  great  body  of  teachers  who  now 
teach  Americans?  With  all  the  false  philosophies, 
hurtful  criticisms,  ignoble  assaults  upon  the  Bible,  in- 
jurious practices,  is  it  any  wonder  that  modern  civi- 
lization is  going  to  pieces?  These  modern  events  are 
sure  premonitions  of  a  world-wide  fulfillment,  near 
the  door. 

But  let  us  go  on  evangelizing  with  the  whole  Gospel 
and  insist  upon  godly  regeneration,  not  human  de- 
vices to  catch  big  crowds ! 


STUDY  TWENTY-EIGHT 

The  Sun-Clothed  Woman  Chapter. — XII 

The  contents  here  bring  us  to  the  series  of  sevens — 
the  seven  personages:  1.  the  Sun-clothed  Woman;  2. 
Satan;  3.  the  Man  Child;  4.  the  Archangel  Michael; 
5.  the  Jewish  Remnant;  6.  the  Sea-Beast;  7.  the 
Earth-Beast.     These  were  treated  in  chapters  twelve 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION        125 

and  thirteen,  but  still  under  the  seven  seals,  seven 
trumpets,  seven  bowls,  more  intensely  as  each  may  be 
affected  favorably  or  unfavorably.  All  the  sevens 
run  to  consummations. 

This  fourth  seven  is  a  "  mixed  seven  "  ;  that  is, 
some  stand  out  in  favor  of  God  and  some  are  in  the 
judgments  of  sin. 

Symbolized  Israel. 

What  does  the  sun-clothed  woman  stand  for? 

This  sun-clad,  crowned  woman  seen  in  heaven,  a 
most  wonderful  portent,  is  none  other  than  Israel. 
As  the  wife  of  Jehovah,  she  brought  forth  the  "  Man 
Child,"  Jesus  the  Christ !  He  came  of  the  tribe  of 
Judah,  which  was  one  of  the  twelve  tribes  of  all  Is- 
rael. So  in  this  great  subject  we  must  deal  with 
Israel,  not  with  Judah  alone,  for  all  Israel  is  promised 
restoration  to  the  land  and  services,  not  Judah  only. 

Is  woman  ever  used  typically  for  Israel  or  the 
church? 

Woman  is  used  in  "  a  bad  ethical  sense  "  for  Bab- 
ylon and  in  a  good  moral  or  ethical  sense  for  Israel 
or  the  church.  When  a  bad  woman  is  used  to  show 
a  bad  system  it  simply  means  that  religion  is  out  of 
place,  that  there  is  a  lack  of  harmony  in  the  parts; 
something  foreign  has  been  thrust  into  God's  religion. 

Why  is  the  sun-clothed  and  crowned  woman  cry- 
ing? 

Because  she,  and  her  Child  Christ,  were  being  pur- 
sued by  the  great  red  dragon.  So  long  as  Israel  is  in 
dispersion,  she  is  in  the  pangs  of  childbirth,  for  until 
she  is  restored  and  Jesus  is  Sovereign  over  her,  she 


126  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

will  not  have  found  herself  delivered  of  a  Perfect 
Messiah.  Once  in  her  land,  secured  by  Jehovah 
against  all  enemies,  she  will  be  delivered  and  her 
Messiah  will  be  her  Eternal  Glory.  Jehovah  yet 
finds  Israel  in  adultery,  yet  mixed  wth  the  people. 
Israel  must  be  cleansed  (Hos.  1:  2). 

Observe  the  woman  arrayed  in  the  sun,  pure  white 
clothing,  in  contrast  with  the  harlot  of  chapter   17, 
who  is  arrayed  in  "  scarlet."    God  also  uses  "  scarlet  " 
for  type,  but  Satan  borrows  it  for  his  harlot. 
The  Seven-Headed  and  Ten-Horned  Dragon. 

Upon  this  point  Dr.  Scofield  in  his  valuable  "  Ref- 
erence Bible "  on  Daniel  7 :  26  says :  "  The  beast 
vision  of  Daniel  the  fourth  beast  (7:  7)  is  declared 
to  be  the  '  fourth  kingdom,'  i.  e.,  the  Roman  Empire, 
the  iron  kingdom  of  Dan.  2.  The  ten  horns,  upon 
the  fourth  beast  (Roman  Empire  )  verse  7,  are  de- 
clared to  be  ten  kings  that  shall  arise  (verse  24), 
answering  to  ten  toes  of  the  image  vision  of  Daniel 
2.  The  ten  kingdoms,  covering  the  regions  formerly 
ruled  by  Rome,  will  constitute,  therefore,  the  form  in 
which  the  fourth,  or  Roman  Empire,  will  exist  when 
the  whole  fabric  of  GENTILE  world-domination 
is  smitten  by  the  STONE  '  cut  out  without  hands,' 
that  is,  Christ  (Dan.  2:  44-45;  7:9).  But  Daniel 
sees  a  '  little  horn  rise  up  and  subdue  three  of  the  ten 
kings  (vs.  24-26).  His  distinguishing  mark  is  hatred 
of  God  and  of  his  saints ;  first  Israel  and  then  the 
church  (Rev.  12:  5-6)." 

Is  the  teaching  in  Rev.  ij:  12  indentical  with  what 
is  given  in  Dan.  y:  6,  7  and  Rev.  12:  3? 

It  is. 


THE   BOOK   OF   REVELATION        127 

Is  the  fourth  verse  also  to  be  received  literally? 

It  is.  Satan  will  be  able,  being  the  prince  of  the 
power  of  the  air,  having  ability  to  control  stars,  to 
draw  them  out  of  their  places,  as  well  as  to  use  star- 
lies  to  discomfit  God  if  possible.  Meteors  seem 
like  stars,  and  if  Satan,  as  Lucifer,  had  power  to 
affect  natural  forces,  is  it  strange  that  he  should 
continue  to  affect  them  until  he  is  shorn  of  all  power? 

Anticipative. 

Was  the  Child  caught  up  to  the  throne? 

He  was.  Jesus  went  up  to  heaven  and  sat  down 
upon  his  Father's  throne  (Rev.  3:  21).  Israel  is 
still  in  the  wilderness  of  history,  and  so  is  the  church. 
All  will  eventually  be  one  in  God  (1  Cor.  15:  28). 

Aerial  War. 

The  archangel,  Michael,  at  war  with  the  dragon 
(vs.  7-12). 

Then  fighting  took  place  in  the  heavens.  Michael 
and  his  angels  fought  with  the  dragon.  But  though 
the  dragon,  with  his  angels,  fought,  he  could  not  pre- 
vail ;  and  there  was  no  place  left  for  them  any  longer 
in  the  heavens.  Then  the  great  dragon,  the  pri- 
meval serpent,  known  as  the  "  Devil "  and  "  Satan  " 
who  deceives  all  the  world,  was  hurled  down  to  the 
earth,  and  his  angels  were  hurled  down  with  him. 
And  I  heard  a  loud  voice  in  heaven  which  said : 
"  Now  has  begun  the  day  of  the  salvation,  power,  and 
dominion  of  our  God,  and  the  rule  of  his  Christ;  for 
the  accuser  of  our  brothers  has  been  hurled  down, 
he  who  has  been  accusing  them  before  our  God  day 
and  night.     Their  victory  was  due  to  the  sacrifice  of 


128  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

the  Lamb,  and  to  the  message  to  which  they  bore 
their  testimony.  Their  love  of  life  did  not  make  them 
shrink  from  death.  Therefore,  be  glad,  O  Heaven, 
and  all  who  live  in  heaven !  Alas  for  the  earth  and 
for  the  sea,  for  the  devil  has  gone  down  to  you  in 
great  anger,  knowing  that  he  has  but  little  time." 

Devil  means  slanderer,  traducer,  denier,  maligner. 
Mentioned  here  twice.  Serpent,  a  twister,  a  crooked 
one.  Mentioned  thrice.  Satan,  an  adversary,  ma- 
licious one.  Mentioned  once.  Dragon,  the  fierce, 
the  spiteful  one.     Mentioned  seven  times. 

Will  this  be  real  war  in  the  heaven? 

It  will  be  real  war.  There  was  a  Michael  and  his 
warriors ;  and  there  is  a  real  Satan,  or  devil,  or 
dragon,  or  serpent  with  his  army.  Much  as  igno- 
rant education  claims  that  there  is  no  "  personal 
devil,"  the  more  the  Divine  Scriptures  proclaim  that 
there  is ;  and  the  very  conditions  among  men  prove 
that  there  is  an  awful  disturber  of  God's  harmonies. 
As  much  expect  the  corn-principle  to  move  itself 
into  corn  without  proper  environments  as  to  expect 
evil  principle  to  move  itself  without  a  body  to  move  in. 
Did  the  devil  say :  "  All  this  power  will  I  give  thee, 
and  the  glory  of  them  "  (Luke  4:6)?  Did  the  devil 
say  to  Jesus:  "  If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  command 
this  stone  that  it  be  made  bread  ?  "  Could  anything 
not  living  say  words?  Could  a  tongue  move  without 
having  a  place  to  work?  Truly,  the  unbelievers  do 
make  themselves  ridiculous ! 

Does  Satan  have  a  large  army? 

"  The  angels  that  kept  not  their  first  estate,  but  left 
their  own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         129 

chains   under  darkness  unto  judgment  of  the  great 
day"    (Jude  6).     The  "great  day"  of  the  Lord  is 
God's  judgment  period  (Isa  2:  12-22). 
Satanic  Rage. 

Why  is  Satan  so  intensely  hateful? 

He  realizes  that  Jesus  Christ  has  "  received  birth 
into  immortality  by  resurrection  and  translation," 
and  thus  will  defeat  evil  in  his  own  way.  Satan 
knows  that  "  Jesus  will  descend  with  a  shout,  with  a 
voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trump  of  God, 
and  the  dead  in  Christ  shall  rise,  and  we  which  are 
alive  and  remain  will  be  caught  up  together  with  them 
in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air,"  to  receive 
the  crown  of  promised  glory. 

Will  Satan  be  hurled  down  to  earth  with  his 
angels? 

Hurled  down  they  all  will  be,  no  place  for  them  in 
heaven.  It  is  not  said  he  relinquished  his  power 
over  the  air,  nor  over  his  angels.  He  will  be  expelled 
— forced  out. 

See  for  Satan's  working  angels,  Gen.  3:1;  Rev. 
20:  10;  7:  22. 

How  long  does  Satan  accuse  saints? 

Day  and  night;  always  busy.  Likely  when  a  saint 
dies  and  is  on  his  way  to  paradise  the  devil  is  by  the 
route  ready  to  accuse.  He  will  say  that  the  saint  is 
not  quite  ripe  for  reaping. 

Overcoming  Satan. 

How  do  saints  overcome  Satan? 
By  "  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  "  and  by  the  witnessing 
for  Christ.    They  were  willing  to  sacrifice  their  earth- 


130  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

ly  lives  for  Jesus.  This  will  be  a  victory  vindicated. 
If  you  would  get  a  wailing  description  of  judgment 
read  Amos  1:  11-16.  If  you  would  have  "vice  and 
vengeance  described "  as  belonging  to  the  harlot 
Babylon,  study  Nahum  3:  4-7. 

STUDY  TWENTY-NINE 

Our  study  now  is  Israel  in  tribulation  and  Satan 
persecuting  her  (vs.  13-16).  The  view  is  one  of 
great  suffering,  because  great  splendor  is  to  come ;  and 
this  suffering  people  is  to  become  a  conquering  peo- 
ple (Obad.  19). 

Why  was  the  dragon  so  angry  ? 

Because  God  is  on  the  side  of  the  woman  and  the 
earth  is  on  the  side  of  the  woman. 

What  is  this  water  poured  out? 

In  the  Revelator's  forecast,  two  bodies  or  systems 
must  be  kept  in  view ;  viz.,  the  political  kingdom  and 
religious  body,  a  combination  of  big  and  little  organ- 
izations. The  ten-toed  kingdom,  or  political  body 
under  the  lead  of  the  beast,  the  confused  body  as- 
sociated with  confused  religion,  will  head  up  into 
Satan,  the  masterpiece  of  vitalized  and  socialized  evil. 

Organizations  Inside  of  an  Organization. 

Are  there  any  symptoms  of  these  tremendous 
human  forces  being  organized  now? 

There  are.  On  the  religious  side,  we  see  that 
Episcopalianism  has  suggested  federation  of  Protes- 
tant churches,  and  it  has  been  accepted  already  as  a 
piece  of  wisdom — human  wisdom  of  the  "  famous  " 
kind. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         131 

What  is  the  cause  and  purpose? 

The  cause  is  that  in  Episcopalianism,  though 
modeled  after  Roman  Catholicism,  there  is  no  af- 
finity between  the  two  systems.  English  Episco- 
palianism, headed  by  the  government  of  England,  is 
becoming  an  important  factor  in  church  federation. 
The  Divine  prophetic  eye  has  not  overlooked  this 
federation.  As  God  sent  a  doom  to  Egypt,  to 
Babylon,  to  Edom,  to  Arabia,  to  Jerusalem,  to  Tyre, 
to  the  world,  and  dealt  with  all  but  the  world,  the 
seventh,  he  surely  will  finish  the  seventh  as  he  has 
finished  the  other  six ;  and  this  seventh  has  two 
heads  (Isa.  17:  12  to  27). 

How  may  this  conflict  be  detected? 

The  split  between  Romanism  and  Episcopalianism 
was  a  deadly  wound  to  the  beast  and  his  image ;  ever 
since,  each  has  charged  the  other  with  apostasy.  Up- 
heavals may  be  expected.  The  Episcopal  people, 
foreseeing  the  conflict,  have  suggested  federation  of 
all  protesting  people  as  the  way  to  victory  over  Roman 
Catholicism.  The  suggestion  is  "  taking."  "  Church 
federation  "  is  now  on  the  popular  wave.  Lots  of 
people  enjoy  riding  on  the  wave  of  the  populace !  It 
has  cushioned  seats  in  plenty.  "  Organization,"  of- 
fices, positions  of  prominence  with  plenty  of  ma- 
terial that  "  puffs  up,"  brings  "  success."  They  are 
quickly  manufactured  and  distributed  freely.  This 
holds  together.  Age,  experience,  consecration,  wis- 
dom, heaven — all  are  being  pushed  aside  for  new 
places,  new  methods,  new  positions  of  delegated 
power.     What  use  has  Episcopalianism  for  small  re- 


132  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

ligious  bodies  except  to  help  put  down  Catholicism 
from  which  she  sprang? 

But  who  comes  to  the  help  of  Israel? 

With  the  burning  mountains  of  the  Turkish  Empire 
breaking  down  into  the  sea,  or  populace,  is  it  any 
wonder  that  the  earth  came  to  her  help  and  opened 
her  mouth  and  drank  up  the  river  which  the  dragon 
had  poured  out  of  its  mouth?  On  this  the  dragon 
was  enraged  at  "  the  Israelite  remnant,"  who  comes 
into  view. 

The  dragon  seeks  work  elsewhere.  He  will  ever, 
until  restrained,  be  after  such  as  keep  the  commands 
and  bear  testimony  (12:  16,  17). 

This  three  and  one-half  years  may  stand  for  1,260 
years.  If  so,  then  it  will  soon  be  filled  up,  if  it  began 
with  full-fledged  Mohammedanism  and  the  Roman 
Catholic  Hierarchy  in  A.  D.  667.  Should  this  be 
correct,  then  it  became  a  type  of  the  fearful  perse- 
cution of  Israel  the  last  three  and  one-half  years 
before  Christ  comes  to  begin  his  1,000  year  reign 
upon  earth.  The  testimony  of  Israel's  suffering  be- 
fore Jesus  comes  and  of  their  national  resuscitation 
is  abundant ;  but  most  writers  see  this  under  the 
name  of  "  Jews."  The  Scriptures  embrace  all  Israel, 
not  just  the  tribe  of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  now  known 
as  Jews.     Let  us  keep  within  the  Divine  scope ! 

"  When  the  dragon  saw  that  he  was  hurled  down 
to  the  earth  he  pursued  the  woman  who  had  given 
birth  to  the  male  Child.  But  the  woman  was  given  the 
two  wings  of  a  great  eagle,  so  that  she  might  fly  to 
her  place  in  the  desert,  where  she  is  being  tended  for 
one  year,  and  for  two  years  and  for  half  a  year,  in 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         133 

safety  from  the  serpent.  Then  the  serpent  poured 
water  from  its  mouth  after  the  woman,  like  a  river, 
so  that  it  might  sweep  her  away." 

If  all  Israel,  or  people,  who  have  the  true  Israel 
character,  are  represented  by  this  woman,  or  authori- 
ty, truly  she,  or  they,  are  in  a  world-wilderness;  the 
identities  of  the  ten-tribed  Israel  disappearing,  while 
the  two  tribes,  Judah  and  Benjamin,  or  Jews,  are 
known  and  scattered  among  the  nations.  Ten-tribed 
Israel  is  lost  to  history,  lost  to  nationalism  on  the 
part  of  man.    But  she  will  come  in  God's  set  time. 

STUDY  THIRTY 

The  Two  Beasts  Chapter. — XIII 

There  are  yet  two  dooms — the  doom  of  the  beast 
out  of  the  sea  (1-10)  and  the  doom  of  the  beast  out 
of  the  earth  (11-18). 

Republics. 

What  does  "  the  beast  out  of  the  sea  "  stand  for? 

This  sea  beast  is  Daniel's  fourth  beast  (Dan.  7: 
25).  It  is  the  Roman  Empire.  It  came  out  of  the 
people — republics  of  all  the  then  known  world — and 
these  same  federated  republics,  under  two  heads,  po- 
litical and  religious,  will  run  to  the  end  of  the  age,  but 
become  weaker  and  weaker,  since  they  end  in  ten 
toes  of  Nebuchadnezzar  (clay  and  iron,  very  brittle), 
and  ten  horns  or  rulers  of  Rev.  13.  Toes  and  horns 
stand  for  the  same  things. 

What  do  they  do  through  their  times? 

They  are   identified  with  the  personal   Antichrist, 


134  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

who  becomes  a  world-wide  business  and  religious  or- 
ganizer and  manager. 

Will  things  be  condensed  and  federated  in  such  a 
manner  that  one  person  can  manage  both  religion 
and  commerce  from  one  center? 

This  is  the  way.  Already  the  system  is  beginning. 
On  all  sides  the  tendency  is  to  federate,  to  unify,  to 
put  the  many  out  of  labor  and  to  put  business  into 
a  few  hands.  The  trademark  is  on  the  way.  Already 
an  organization  has  begun  to  make  one  religion  for 
all  the  world.    Federation  is  the  cry. 

What  form  of  government  will  exist  when  the  age 
closes? 

The  sea  beast  will  have  seven  heads  or  governments 
and  ten  horns  or  lesser  governments.  As  Daniel  saw 
down  to  the  end,  the  last  world-empire  will  be  Roman- 
ish  in  policy  and  yet  very  weak,  like  iron  and  clay 
mixed,  centering  in  Satan,  who  will  finally  be  de- 
stroyed. The  ten-horned  power  will  pass  into  Anti- 
christ. 

Do  the  elements  or  characteristics  of  the  lion  power 
as  exercised  by  Babylon,  the  bear  power  as  character- 
ised by  Medo-Persia,  the  leopard  power  as  permeat- 
ing Greco-Macedonia  under  Alexander  the  Great,  the 
iron-toothed  power  as  characterizing  Rome  still  run 
over  the  earth  of  mankind? 

They  do  in  modified  form.  Those  characteristics 
run  to  the  end,  being  finished  in  the  personal  Anti- 
christ. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION        135 

Do  Daniel  and  John  give  an  exposition  of  these 
four  empires? 

Daniel  7  gives  the  prophetic  view  and  it  works 
out  through  the  four  world  empires,  the  strong  power, 
Babylon  with  its  voracious  or  ravenous  quality ; 
through  Medo-Persian  bearish  tenacious  or  perti- 
nacious efforts ;  through  the  Greco-Macedonian  swift- 
ness, with  not  much  less  cruelties ;  and  finally  through 
Roman  adulteries,  destructions,  and  spiritual  evils  of 
many  forms.  The  ten-horned  powers  finally  are  ab- 
sorbed by  the  two-horned  beast,  the  politico-religious 
administration,  and  ending  with  Satan  going  into  the 
lake  of  fire. 

What  is  meant  by  one  of  his  heads  being  wounded 
to  death  ? 

His  imperial  head  or  form  was  given  a  deadly 
wound.  It  was  shorn  of  power,  made  into  republics. 
But  it  will  take  on  an  imperial  form  again  and  all  the 
world  will  wonder  and  be  amazed  at  this  restoration. 
It  will  come  first  religiously — bear  feet,  stealth  and 
very  fine  diplomacy  will  characterize  its  approach. 

Why  does  the  dragon  unite  with  the  beast  system? 

For  advantages.  This  man  of  sin  of  2  Thess.  2 :  3- 
12  will  then  dominate  the  earth.  Some  professing 
believers  out  of  this  popular  Christianity  "  will  fall 
away  "  from  the  truth  by  means  of  deceptions.  Love 
of  family,  love  of  money,  love  of  "  big  crowd,"  love 
of  society,  love  of  country,  love  of  display,  love  of 
honor  will  turn  many  away.  Many  will  prefer  self- 
culture  to  God's  culture ;  others  will  prefer  man-cul- 


136  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

ture  to  Divine  culture,  so  that  "  falling  away  "  will 
become  popular  also. 

What  power  did  the  beast  have? 

To  blaspheme,  or  to  make  vile  God's  name  in  swear- 
ing, and  to  belittle  sacred  things.  Satan  has  charge 
of  nations  who  transgress.  It  is  Satan's  last  super- 
natural effort  over  the  earth. 

And  how  do  the  people  respond? 

"All  that  dwell  upon  the  earth  WORSHIP  him, 
whose  names  are  not  written  in  the  Lamb's  book  of 
life."  Awful !  You  will  not  do  it !  Not  if  your  name 
is  written  in  the  life-book.     See  to  it  now ! 

What  is  Heaven's  judicial  conclusion? 

"  He  that  leadeth  into  captivity  shall  go  into  cap- 
tivity; he  that  killeth  with  the  sword  must  be  killed 
with  the  sword."  The  way  out  of  this  is  yet  to  obey 
the  doctrine  of  non-resistance  and  harmlessness 
(Matt.  5:  38-48;  10:  16;  Rom.  16:  19). 

Can  not  diplomacy  and  arbitration  yet  bring  about 
human  harmony? 

No.  Beginning  with  Noah,  God  turned  human  gov- 
ernment over  to  mankind,  and  men  had  not  gone  very 
far  into  that  kind  of  government  until  it  was  gov- 
erned by  all  kinds  of  unbelief  and  evils. 

Study  from  that  time  to  this  and  learn  what  has 
been  done  with  human  government.  Diplomacies 
hold  together  until  nations  can  prepare  for  the  most 
destructive  carnage  known.  Then  where  goes  di- 
plomacy? Poor,  weak  mortals!  Ever  leaning  upon 
their  own  powers   instead  of  trusting  God.     When 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         137 

man  rejects  or  moves  away  from  God,  then  God  re- 
jects or  moves  away  from  man ! ! 

STUDY  THIRTY-ONE 

Earth  Force. 

The  beast  out  of  the  earth  (vs.  11-18). 

This  is  Antichrist,  a  real  person  full  of  carnalism, 
and  of  earth  earthy.  "  Beast  stands  for  dynasty  or 
civil  power."     The  word  "  beast "  occurs  here  twice. 

In  what  way  does  this  Antichrist  cause  all  to  buy 
and  sell? 

As  the  beast  out  of  the  earth  will  work  under  the 
imperial  form  of  government,  who  has  organized  the 
world  of  mankind  for  greed,  selfishness,  pleasures, 
positions,  away  from  that  brotherhood  equalities 
brought  to  Jesus'  disciples  (Matt.  23:  8),  and  made 
world-conditions  full  of  false  culture,  false  science, 
perverted  religion,  outwardly  pompous,  but  inwardly 
full  of  "  dead  men's  bones  "  ;  contradicting  the  whole 
system,  we  will  see  the  filthy  commercialisms,  national 
rivalists,  armies,  fleets,  elegances,  educational  insti- 
tutions, philanthropies,  constructions,  organizations 
of  every  kind  and  form,  not  for  spiritual  benefits, 
but  for  self -aggrandizements  and  self -exaltations. 

Image  Deception. 

Under  this  world-emperor  arises  his  image,  and  the 
beast  orders  the  people  to  worship  the  image,  as  he  is 
a  religious  person  of  eminence.  All  religions  will 
federate  in  him. 


138  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

What  principles  will  he  lay  down  for  the  people? 
Perhaps   six,   man's  number  destitute  of   God,  as 
follows : 

1.  Self-control,  as  to  the  mind. 

2.  Self-control  in  action. 

3.  Tolerance. 

4.  Cheerfulness. 

5.  One-pointedness. 

6.  Confidence. 

This  is  so  plausible  to  reason.  This  is  a  beast  sys- 
tem. This  system  is  already  in  embryo  among  the 
people,  and  where  is  the  class,  league,  lodge,  human 
creed,  society  that  can  not  subscribe  to  these  prin- 
ciples? He  will  have  the  very  name  "  Kris  "  (Christ) 
associated  with  his  principles ;  it  must  seem  plausible 
that  it  is  from  Christ  or  the  very  Christ  in  order  to 
captivate  the  people !  Naturalism  and  supernatural- 
ism  will  be  in  him.  Those  who  lean  on  nature  and 
those  who  claim  miracle  power  to  heal  like  Jesus 
does  but  disregard  most  of  Jesus'  teachings,  will  rapid- 
ly increase  in  numbers  and  power  under  "  Kris-namur- 
ti."  His  healing  will  not  be  done  as  directed  in 
James  5 :  14-20. 

How  can  one,  then,  discern  between  the  true  and 
the  false? 

The  true  will  be  persecuted,  but  will  not  persecute. 
The  true  will  work  with  "  all  power  and  signs,"  wit- 
nessing by  life,  spirit  and  separation  from  all  ungod- 
liness. 

"  His  number  is  Six  Hundred  and  Sixty-six"  (13: 
18). 

It  will  be  necessary  to  devote  one  study  to  this  pe- 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         139 

culiar  and  difficult  subject.  The  text  reads:  "Let 
the  intelligent  reader  work  out  the  number  of  the 
beast,  for  the  number  forms  a  man's  name.  Its  num- 
ber is  Six  Hundred  and  Sixty-six." 

Daniel  11  runs  from  the  time  of  Darius  (B.  C. 
521)  to  the  man  of  sin  (2  Thess.  2:  3,  4),  and  then 
finds  its  consummation  in  Rev.  13  under  the  two- 
horned  beast.  Daniel  says :  "  One  shall  stand  up,  an 
exactor." 

Tradition  has  its  root  in  the  word  "  trade,"  which 
means  "  to  treat,  transaction  of  human  business  for 
gain."  In  theology,  tradition  stands  for  what  is  not 
in  the  Holy  Scriptures  used  for  gain — physical  gain 
joined  to  spiritual  gain. 

"  After  the  Jews  were  dispersed  by  Titus  A.  D. 
70,  they  soon  looked  around,"  says  Milman  in  his 
history,  "  for  some  learned  rabbis,  and  directly  they 
found  them  established,  laid  whatsoever  they  would 
dare  to  offer  at  their  feet ;  for  while  they  were,  for  a 
long  time  after  their  return  from  Babylon,  very 
zealous  in  the  law,  they  lapsed  into  traditionalism,  so 
that  when  Christ  came  they  were  given  up  to  the 
traditions  of  the  rabbis."  Of  course,  refusing  to 
come  out  of  their  traditions  at  Christ's  request,  they 
carried  them  out  over  the  world  with  them. 

Godless  Government. 

Soon  after  leaving  Jerusalem  they  accepted  a 
patriarchate,  or  a  superior,  to  lead  them  on  in  their 
traditions.  At  Jamina,  and  later  at  Tiberias,  under 
Gamaliel,  it  became  the  political  religious  Jewish 
center.  In  A.  D.  98-138  it  was  checked  by  a  rebellion 
under  "  Bar-Chohab,"  son  of  Chohab,  and  in  a  war 


140  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

between  the  Jewish  factions  from  A.  D.  132-5  Dion 
Cassius  says  580,000  Jews  were  slain  by  the  sword, 
and  many  perished  by  famine  and  diseases.  Under 
Antonius  Pius  (A.  D.  138-61),  they  regained  much 
of  their  traditionary  usages.  Before  the  end  of  the 
second  century  the  Jews  had  so  increased  in  prestige 
that  they  were  divided  into  two  factions,  one  under 
the  spiritual  charge  of  the  patriarchate  in  Tiberias 
and  one  under  the  "  Prince  of  the  Captivity,"  to 
whom  all  eastern  Jews  paid  allegiance.  Hence  the 
rabbi  still  stood  up  in  his  place,  with  claim  of  authori- 
ty to  govern. 

Milman  says  that  wherever  Jews  existed  there  "  a 
synagogue  sprung  up."  Every  synagogue  was,  in 
turn,  visited  by  the  legate  of  the  patriarch.  These  le- 
gates were  called  apostles.  The  apostles  collected  the 
offerings.  They  settled  difficulties.  Every  year  a 
proclamation  was  made  by  trumpet  call,  commanding 
payment  by  tribute.  The  last  payment  was  due  the 
last  of  May. 

In  this  way  their  patriarch  "  stood  up,"  or  passed 
through  the  glory  of  the  kingdom.  In  promise  the 
kingdom  of  Israel  existed,  and  yet  exists.  In  min- 
iature and  broken  it  still  was  existing  in  the  mind  of 
the  Jews.  Origen,  as  late  as  A.  D.  222-45,  still  found 
the  Jewish  patriarchate  existing  and  imperial  Rome 
winking  at  its  traditions.  In  A.  D.  407  the  heads  of 
synagogues  were  demanded  if  the  "  exactors "  did 
not  send  in  the  contributions,  which  were  mandatory 
exactions.  His  spirituality  was  measured  into  "  suc- 
cess "  by  the  amount  of  money  sent  to  headquarters. 
Do  you  see  signs  of  this  yet? 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         141 

Godless  Imitations. 

Out  of  the  Jewish  patriarchatism  sprung  money- 
loving  Mohammedansim  and  Roman  Catholicism,  and 
now  their  imitator,  corrupt  Protestantism,  and  as  a 
world-wide  consummation  of  all,  the  "  Antichrist." 
Daniel's  glory  of  the  kingdom  will  all  be  turned  into 
great  darkness  at  the  coming  of  Christ;  for  it  became 
wholly  human.  Christ  saw  it  in  his  day  and  ad- 
dressed it  as  "  Ye  blind  guides,  woe  unto  you.  Ye 
strain  out  the  gnat  and  swallow  the  camel"  (Matt. 
23:  24). 

How  did  they  become  blind  guides  spiritually  and 
mentally? 

By  transgressing  the  commandments  of  God;  by 
substituting  their  traditions  or  opinions  for  the  Law. 

The  Mohammedans  imitated  the  Jewish  traditions 
as  to  doctrine  and  money-getting;  then  the  Roman 
Catholics  imitated  them,  and  lastly  Protestants  are 
copying  from  both  as  to  mixed  doctrines  and  getting 
money  for  "  good  works."  "  Superiors  "  are  always 
in  the  market  canvassing  for  money,  whether  Jew, 
Gentile,  bond  or  free.  Wants  and  luxuries  in  living, 
buildings,  equipments  never  grow  less. 

Substitutions  Separating  from  the  Spirit. 

So  long  as  "  traditions  "  root  out  the  Word  of  God 
a  Mohammedan  can  not  get  away  from  his  ism  to  the 
Word ;  so  long  as  Roman  Catholicism  will  not  aban- 
don greediness  for  gain  and  substitutional  doctrines 
for  Christ's  doctrine,  Romanism  can  not  get  fixed 
upon  the  Word.  Equally  true  it  is  that  so  long  as 
Protestantism  fattens  on  "  exactions,"  graftings,  pub- 


142  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

lie  opinion  as  to  humble  practices  in  Christ,  so  long 
will  traditionalism  and  religious  formalism  have  the 
right  of  way. 

In  A.  D.  610  Mahomet  declared  his  mission.  In 
A.  D.  636  Mahomet  captured  Mecca;  A.  D.  762  con- 
quests of  Mohammedans  closed,  having  taken  over 
all  of  Persia,  Syria,  Egypt.  Dan.  8:  24:  "He  de- 
stroyed "  the  holy  people,  once  holy  Jews. 

A.  D.  637  Jerusalem  was  taken  by  Saracen  Mo- 
hammedans. At  that  time  only  bare  rock  lay  where 
once  Solomon's  great  temple  stood.  Near  by  was  a 
Catholic  church  reared  A.  D.  550  by  Justinian.  These 
two  points  represented  Jewish  and  Christian  worship 
in  Jerusalem.  A  third  kind  now  comes  in,  Moham- 
medanism. 

Mohammedanism  first  swept  away  Romanism  and 
Paganism,  and  turned  down  the  Jewish  patriarchate  by 
absorption,   and   then   subdued   Christianity   in   many 
parts,  thus  fulfilling  Daniel's  vision. 
Hurting  by  Excessive  Taxes. 

How  do  excessive  taxes  break  down  countries? 

"  The  spoiling  by  burdensome  taxes,"  says  a  noted 
writer,  "  has  reduced  Asia  Minor  and  Palestine,  two 
of  the  richest  agricultural  regions  on  the  globe,  to 
wastes  and  wildernesses,  and  by  continuous  use  of  the 
sword  and  assessments  the  Christian  population  has 
been  prevented  from  showing  increase,  such  as  might 
endanger  the  rule  of  the  successors  of  Mahomet. 
So  spoliation  among  all  degeneracies  goes  on. 
A  Thought  Onward. 

The  scattered  Jews  are  now  the  representatives  of 
the  whole  house  of   Israel,  and   are   furnishing  the 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         143 

money  to  carry  on  this  fearful  typical  war;  yet  many 
of  their  race  have  been  fearfully  persecuted  by  Rus- 
sia. Should  the  war  end  with  a  colossal  debt,  and  the 
Jews  get  possession  of  the  land  promised  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob,  and  bring  it  to  a  very  high  state  of 
cultivation,  beyond  what  was  ever  known  (for  the 
land  has  rested  for  centuries),  will  Gentile  nations 
want  it?  Unable  to  pay  the  gigantic  debt,  will  they 
repudiate  it  because  most  of  it  belongs  to  the  Jews? 
Will  the  "  man  of  sin  "  break  his  covenant  with  the 
Jews  (Dan.  11:  28)?  Surely  it  will  be  a  time  of 
trouble  to  Jacob  in  the  midst  of  the  last  seven  years 
of  the  Gentile  age! 

How  can  Germany's  aid  to  Turkey  and  England's 
to  Russia  be  accounted  for? 

Great  Britain  has  been  tolerant  to  the  Jews,  even 
giving  Jews  high  political  and  judicial  positions.  Now 
she  helps  cruel  Russia  in  one  of  the  worst  wars  on 
the  earth.  Germany  has  been  tolerant  of  the  Jews, 
claims  to  be  Christian,  yet  she  assists  Turkey,  which 
kills  Christian  Armenians.  All  such  affiliations  can 
be  accounted  for  only  on  the  ground  of  love  of  money 
and  the  spirit  of  Antichrist. 

The  Perfection  of  Imperfection. 

What  number  in  Scripture  stands  for  human  pride? 

Bullinger  says:  "  If  six  is  the  number  of  secular  or 
human  perfection,  then  66  is  a  more  emphatic  ex- 
pression of  the  same  fact,  and  666  is  the  concen- 
trated expression  of  it;  666  is  therefore  the  trinity  of 
human  perfection ;  the  perfection  of  imperfection ; 
the  culmination  of  human  pride  and  independence  of 


144  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

God  and  opposition  to  his  Christ.  Six  hundred  and 
sixty-six  was  the  secret  symbol  of  the  ancient  pagan 
mysteries  connected  with  the  worship  of  the  devil. 
It  is  today  the  secret  connecting  link  between  those 
ancient  mysteries  and  their  modern  revival  in  spirit- 
ualism and  theosophy,  occult  science,  etc.  The  ef- 
forts of  the  great  enemy  are  now  directed  towards 
uniting  all  into  one  great  whole."  Recently  an  organ- 
ization in  San  Francisco  was  effected  to  create  one 
system  of  religion  for  the  whole  world.  This  will 
take  on  the  Antichrist  form  and  will  seek  to  enroll 
all  who  oppose  or  doubt  the  Word  or  any  portion  of 
it.  Satan  will  declare  the  Bible  "  a  failure,"  and  his 
call  to  the  new  religion  will  become  very  popular. 
"  The  newspapers,  worldly  and  religious,  are  full  of 
schemes  as  to  such  a  union.  Reunion  is  in  the  air. 
The  societies  of  reunion  of  Christendom  and  con- 
ferences for  the  reunion  of  the  churches,  are  alike 
part  of  the  same  great  movement,  and  are  all  making 
signs  of  the  coming  apostasy.  During  the  age,  '  sep- 
aration '  is  God's  word  for  his  people,  and  is  the  mark 
of  Christ,  which  is  888,  far  in  excess  of  Satan's  666." 
"  Union  and  reunion  is  the  mark  of  Antichrist."  But 
it  is  all  man-made. 

This  number  6  was  stamped  on  the  old  mysteries. 
How  many  are  being  stamped  by  old  and  new  secret 
organizations,  mysteries  to  such  as  refuse  to  go  into 
them?  Almost  every  selfish  movement  is  no  sooner 
organized  into  a  club,  league,  union,  order,  than 
search  is  made  for  a  suitable  "  mark  "  to  keep  those 
in  the  mysteries  from  those  not  in !  Even  some  very 
good  thinkers  and  pious  adherents  of  heart  and  life 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         145 

holiness  are  liable  to  be  carried  out  into  this  great  hid- 
den 666  by  intimations  of  "  some  good  in  it."  The 
sure  ground  is  to  ask  the  Holy  Spirit  to  point  the  way 
of  return  to  a  safe  position. 

The  Stigma. 

"  The  great  secret  symbol  consisted  of  three  letter 
"  SSS,"  because  the  letter  "  S  "  in  the  Greek  alphabet 
was  the  symbol  of  the  figure  six.  Not  the  sixth  let- 
ter seta,  but  a  different  letter,  a  peculiar  form  of  "  S," 
called  "  stigma."  Now  the  word  "  stigma  "  means  a 
mark,  but  especially  a  mark  made  by  a  brand,  as 
burnt  upon  a  slave,  cattle,  or  soldiers,  by  their  owners 
or  masters.  It  is  spoken  of  by  Paul  in  Gal.  6:  17,  as 
coming  from  the  stripes  he  received  from  the  enemy 
for  his  saintliness. 

This  letter  "  stigma "  or  "  sigma "  is  becoming 
familiar  to  us  now.  It  is  not  pleasant  when  we  see 
many  thus  marked  (ignorantly,  no  doubt)  with  sym- 
bolical "  S  "  and  "S,"  the  66,  especially  when  it  is 
connected  with  judgment,  and  is  associated  with 
"  blood  and  fire,"  which  in  Joel  2 :  30,  31  is  given  as 
one  of  the  awful  signs  before  "  the  great  and  terrible 
day  of  the  Lord  come." 

Apostasy  at  Hand. 

What  awful  blasphemies  are  reaching  our  times? 

"  The  religion  of  Christ  has,  in  the  past,  been  op- 
posed and  corrupted,  but  when  it  comes,  as  it  does 
come,  as  it  has  come  in  our  day,  to  be  burlesqued, 
there  is  nothing  left  but  judgment  (Heb.  10:  27). 
There  is  nothing  more  that  the  enemy  can  do  before 
he  proceeds   to  build  up  his  great  apostasy  on   the 


146  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

ruins  of  true  religion,  and  thus  prepare  the  way  for 
the  coming  of  the  Judge." 

I  am  glad  that  there  are  men  who  have  the  Holy 
Spirit  courage  to  speak  and  write  and  warn  against 
very  gross  evils.  Plenty  of  men  can  write  easy, 
smooth  essays,  talk  platitudes,  orate  about  wicked 
Jews,  declaim  against  unpopular  sins,  mark  time 
against  alcoholic  beverages,  but  it  takes  some  ad- 
ditional Holy  Spirit  courage  to  warn  against  the 
burlesques,  the  wit,  the  scoffs,  and  the  satires  which 
so  many  now  heap  upon  the  Word  because  of  bad 
living  on  the  part  of  many  Christian  professors. 

Voting  for  the  Man  of  Sin. 

What  will  be  the  world-conditions  just  before 
Christ  arrives ? 

The  signs  of  the  times  indicate  that  kings,  emper- 
ors, sultans,  and  czars — autocratic  rulers — will  give 
way  to  republics,  and  when  these  come  the  man  of 
sin  will  be  voted  into  place  and  power.  Women  will 
have  universal  franchise  as  well  as  men.  A  republic 
is  less  strong  than  a  monarchy.  The  signs  indicate 
that  as  the  image  of  Nebuchadnezzar  began  in  the 
greatest  of  strength,  it  decreases  until  it  reaches  the 
toes,  where  iron  and  clay  conditions  prevail ;  then  it 
collapses.  Both  religious  and  political  governments 
are  becoming  more  and  more  brittle.  Lawlessness  is 
fast  increasing.  The  more  law,  the  more  breakage. 
This  stigma  mark  is  sought  as  a  very  agreeable  badge 
among  the  unregenerated,  but  to  follow  the  Holy 
Spirit's  markings  is  so  very  difficult.  Jesus'  mark  is 
a  crucified  life   (Gal.  2:  20). 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         147 


STUDY  THIRTY-TWO 
The   Reaping  Chapter. — XIV 

Four  Creations. 

"  This  is  the  fourth  parenthetical  vision.  The  con- 
tents easily  run  into  the  following  order:  The  vision 
of  the  Lamb  and  the  144,000  sealed  by  God  (1-5); 
an  angel  with  the  Everlasting  Gospel  (6,  7).  The 
announcement  of  Babylon's  fall  (8)  ;  the  doom  of 
the  beast  worshipers  (9,  12)  ;  happiness  of  the  blessed 
dead    (13);  Armageddon    (14-20). 

The  vision  of  dry  bones  to  be  live  bones  (Ezek. 
37).  Are  the  144,000  here  the  same  as  those  sealed 
in  chapter  7? 

Evidently  they  are ;  but  reappear  here  at  the  throne 
of  David  in  the  rearranged  Israel.  They  are  the  first 
fruits  of  God  and  the  Lamb  out  of  new  Israel,  his 
"  peculiar  treasure."  In  chapter  7  Israel  appears 
sealed ;  here,  open,  active,  energetic,  national. 
Joyous  Israel. 

As  a  new  event  was  about  to  take  place  it  was 
opened  by  harpers  and  singers  in  the  midst  of  the 
joys  of  a  restored  economy.  Israel  will  indeed  be 
very  happy  when  called  "  home." 

Why  should  Israel  be  so  joyous? 

Israel  and  Judah,  being  gathered  as  one  people 
again,  after  being  peeled  and  scattered  for  2,500  years, 
or  two  and  one-half  days,  each  day  for  1,000  years 
(Hos.  6:  2),  shall  have  great  rejoicing  at  their  re- 
union in  the  land.    They  will  be  put  in  charge  of  an 


148  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

everlasting  Gospel.  Since  there  are  four  forms  of 
the  Gospel,  let  us  distinguish  between  them. 

First.  "  The  gospel  of  the  kingdom."  This  is  not 
the  present  Gospel  in  operation,  but  the  one  that  is 
to  come  when  God  will  fulfill  it  in  the  Davidic  king- 
dom as  announced  in  2  Sam.  7 :  16.  This  kingdom 
will  run  1,000  years  with  David  as  prince,  and  each 
apostle  as  a  governor  of  a  tribe  (Matt.  19:  28). 
God  will  demonstrate  that  when  he  by  Jesus  Christ 
shall  reign  on  earth,  true  righteousness  shall  prevail 
among  men. 

Second.  "  The  gospel  of  grace  of  God."  This  is 
the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ.  It  brings  "  good  news  " 
of  redemption.  It  is  still  the  power  of  God  unto 
salvation  to  all  them  that  believe  (Rom.  1 :  16;  2  Cor. 
10:  14;  1  Tim.  1:  11;  2  Cor.  4:  4;  Gal.  2:  7). 

Third.  "  The  everlasting  gospel."  This  is  to  be 
preached  to  the  earth-dwellers  near  the  close  of  the 
great  tribulation  while  the  saints  are  in  the  skies  or 
heaven  (1  Thess.  4:  16).  Those  who  are  saved  by 
this  Gospel  do  not,  like  the  bride-saints,  get  crowns. 

Who  are  possibly  designed  to  preach  this  "  everlast- 
ing Gospel "  during  the  "  tribulation  period  "  ? 

Who  are  most  likely  the  best  prepared  at  or  near 
the  close  of  that  most  suffering  time  to  preach  a 
Gospel  that  never  ends?  Are  not  the  scattered,  suf- 
fering, persecuted  Jews?  Are  they  not  now  in  all 
parts  of  the  world?  How  easy,  then,  under  terrible 
persecutions  for  the  remnant  of  Israel  to  scatter  the 
gracious  news  of  their  deliverance,  of  a  near  Messiah, 
of  a  restored  people,  a  restored  worship  to  a  restored 
land !     No  people  could  quicker  preach  that  "  ever- 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION        149 

lasting  Gospel  "  under  the  directing  angel  than  the 
Jews,  since,  with  quick  communication  and  rapid 
transportation,  the  whole  earth  could  be  reached  in 
a  few  years.     It  will  likely  be  possible  to  do  this. 

Activities  of  Bride-Saints. 

What  should  be  the  greatest  work  of  bride-saints 
now? 

They  should  most  delight  in  witnessing  for  Christ ; 
be  intensely  active,  full  of  missionary  zeal,  meek, 
joyous  under  great  difficulties,  serve  in  all  heart- 
holiness,  give  freely  of  money  and  hate  sin  in  all  its 
forms. 

Why  is  there  such  division  of  thought  as  to  Christ's 
reign  upon  earth? 

The  divided  sentiment  about  Christ's  reign  likely 
results  in  not  taking  into  consideration  the  restoration 
of  "  the  whole  house  of  Israel  "  to  their  land  and  the 
restored  service  as  indicated  in  the  Bible.  With  many 
the  fifth  and  sixth,  or  the  Palestinian  and  the  Davidic 
Covenants,  are  as  utterly  ignored  or  misunderstood  as 
if  they  were  not  in  the  Bible. 

What  is  the  Palestinian  Covenant? 

"  Under  the  Abrahamic  Covenant  Israel  is  entitled 
to  all  the  land  from  the  river  Nile  of  Egypt  unto  the 
great  river,  the  river  Euphrates"  (Gen.  15:  18). 
This  is  unfulfilled,  hence  must  be  given  to  the  twelve 
tribes  (Num.  35:  1-12).  There  are  seven  parts  in  the 
Palestinian  Covenant,  because  it  must  be  consum- 
mated in  God's  time. 

(1)  Dispersion  for  disobedience  (Deut.  28:  63-68 
and  30:  1).    In  Gen.  15:  17,  the  Abrahamic  Covenant 


150  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

is  announced,  and  in  13:  14-17;  15:  1-7;  17:  1-8  it  is 
confirmed  in  seven  distinct  parts. 

(2)  The  future  repentance  of  Israel  while  in  dis- 
persion (Deut.  30:  2). 

(3)  The  return  of  the  Lord  (Deut.  30:  3;  Amos 
9:  9-14;  Acts  15:  14-17). 

(4)  Restoration  to  the  land  (Deut.  30:  5;  Isa.  11: 
11-12;  Jer.  23:  3-8;  Ezek.  37:  21-25). 

(5)  National  conversion  (Deut.  30:  6;  Rom.  11: 
26-27;  Hos.  2:  14-16). 

(6)  The  judgment  of  Israel's  oppressors  (Deut.  30: 
7;  Isa.  14:  1,  2;  Joel  3:  1-8;  Matt.  25:  31-46). 

(7)  National  prosperity  (Deut.  30:  9;  Amos  9: 
11-14). 

What  constitutes  the  Davidic  Covenant? 

This  is  found  in  2  Sam.  7:  8-17.  This  is  the 
promise  of  God  to  found  the  glorious  kingdom  of 
Christ,  "  the  seed  of  David  according  to  the  flesh  "  or 
lineage,  and  has  respect  to  the  following  order: 

(1)  A  Davidic  house,  that  is,  according  to  the  pos- 
terity of  David. 

(2)  A  throne  or  royal  authority. 

(3)  A  kingdom  or  sphere  of  rule. 

(4)  Forever,  a  kingdom  everlasting  in   character. 

(5)  This  fourfold  covenant  has  but  one  condition; 
disobedience  in  the  Davidic  family  is  to  be  visited  by 
chastisements.  However  severe  the  punishment  the 
covenant  is  not  annulled  (Psa.  89:  20-37).  The  first 
chastisement  fell  in  the  division  of  the  kingdom  under 
Rehoboam,  and  the  next  in  the  captivity  of  Israel  and 
of  Judah,  and  lastly  upon  Judah  in  A.  D.  70.  The 
only  King  from  the  captivity  in  Babylon  to  this  time 


THE   BOOK   OF   REVELATION        151 

that  was  crowned  in  Jerusalem  was  by  thorns.  The 
promise  of  this  kingdom  to  Israel  was  confirmed  by 
Jehovah  with  an  oath  to  David  and  confirmed  to  Jesus' 
mother  by  the  angel  Gabriel  (Luke  1 :  31-33;  Acts  2: 
29-32;  Acts  15:  14-17). 

The  thorn-crowned  One  will  get  the  throne  of  his 
father  David  over  all  the  earth. 

To  get  this  broad  vision  of  God's  way  for  man  is 
to  get  the  greatest  of  peace  with  God  and  possess  a 
hope  that  is  within  the  vail. 

W hy  should  Christians  bother  themselves  about 
Israel? 

That  they  may  not  lose  the  blessings  of  education, 
as  did  the  Jews  who  ignored  the  interests  of  the 
Gentiles  by  refusing  to  carry  God's  promises  to  the 
Gentiles.  Race  hatred  has  destroyed  many  who  ought 
to  be  wiser  in  God's  works  and  labors.  Absorbing 
man's  imaginations  and  making  doubts  bring  utter 
confusions  and  smallness  of  grace. 

How  many  covenants  are  there? 

Seven.  Edenic  ("Gen.  1:  28),  Adamic  (Gen.  3: 
15),  Noahic  (Gen.  9:1),  Abrahamic  (Gen.  15:  18), 
Mosaic  (Ex.  19:  5),  Davidic  (2  Sam.  7:  16),  new 
(Heb.  8:8).  A  covenant  is  filled  up  or  centers  in 
Christ  and  the  blessings  flow  from  him  into  his  people. 
They  never  are  annulled  or  made  of  none  effect, 
especially  in  blessings.  A  covenant  may  cease  in 
practice,  but  not  in  blessings. 


152  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 


STUDY  THIRTY-THREE 

The  Song  of  Moses  Chapter. — XV 

Contents. 

The  activities  of  the  seven  bowls  run  from  the  pre- 
liminary chapter  to  16:  21. 

What  is  the  full  vision  as  to  the  bowls? 

The  seven  angels  have  charge  of  the  seven  last 
plagues  represented  by  seven  bowls  of  "  the  wrath 
of  God."  The  last  judgments  are  about  to  come  upon 
men,  to  clear  the  way  for  Christ's  great  reign.  As 
the  husbandman  clears  the  ground  for  the  sowing  of 
valuable  seed,  so  God  clears  the  field  (the  world)  for 
the  "  good  seed  of  the  kingdom  "  to  lay  hold  of  their 
own — the  earth  (Matt.  5:5). 

What  sign  did  John  see  in  heaven? 

"  Seven  angels  with  the  seven  last  curses ;  because 
with  them  the  wrath  of  God  is  ended."  For  almost 
6,000  years  the  curses  have  annoyed  man,  now  curses 
or  plagues  must  end  (Gen.  3:  17,  18). 

Was  all  animal  life,  all  vegetable  life,  affected  by 
sin? 

What  was  not  affected  injuriously  by  the  horrors 
of  sin?  Were  not  birds,  insects,  fishes,  animals,  man 
and  all  good  among  vegetables  harassed  by  evil  ever 
since?  And  the  death  of  Christ  leads  to  restorations 
and  perfections  in  all  kingdoms. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         153 

Victors  in  Luminosity. 

What  does  that  great  portent  stand  for  on  that 
"  sea  of  glass  mingled  with  fire  "  ? 

"  A  spacious,  lucid  plain  around  the  throne,  from 
which  fiery  coruscations  were  continually  emitted ;  or 
the  reflection  of  the  light  upon  this  lucid  plain  pro- 
duced the  prismatic  colors  of  the  most  vivid  rainbow." 
Symbolically,  sea  stands  for  a  vast  throng  of  people; 
hence,  some  day  this  mighty  multitude  will  emit  the 
most  lucid  glories.  They  will  be  singers  and  harpers 
of  the  new  heavens  and  the  new  earth. 

This  people  were  willing  on  earth  to  will  into  the 
WILL  of  God. 

What  is  the  great  song  that  the  redeemed  will  harp 
and  sing? 

It  is  found  in  Rev.  15:  3,  4.  Its  correspondence  is 
found  in  Ex.  15:  1-19. 

Where  did  the  seven  plague-angels  come  from? 

"  From  the  inmost  shrine  of  the  tabernacle  of  reve- 
lation in  heaven."  These  were  temple-workers.  They 
carried  judgment.  They  are  associated  with  justice, 
and  a  glory-cloud  is  connected  with  the  temple ;  hence 
whether  in  mercy  or  in  judgment  there  will  be  glory 
(Ex.  40:  34). 

How  were  those  angels  adorned? 

With  "  precious  stones,  pure  and  bright,  with 
golden  girdles  around  their  breasts."  This  signifies 
labors  of  great  values. 

Here  one  of  the  four  living  ones  is  again  taking 
the  lead.     Why? 

One  of  them  handed  "  the  seven  angels  seven  gold- 


154  THE  OPEN  WAY  INTO 

en  vials  of  the  wrath  of  God."  Gold  stands  for  Deity. 
Deity  has  all  right  to  judge.  He  extends  his  seven- 
fold judgments.'    This  kind  wins  victories  evermore. 

Why  was  the  temple  filled  with  smoke? 

This  is  not  the  smoke  of  blindness  and  confusion 
as  in  chapter  9:  3,  but  of  glory,  as  in  Num.  16:  19- 
50.  It  is  like  incense,  sweet  to  the  smell  and  pleasing 
to  God. 

Why  can  no  one  enter  the  temple  until  the  curses 
have  run  their  course? 

The  exercises  of  the  temple  service  are  suspended 
during  the  action  of  the  plagues.  Sorrow  and  service 
are  not  wedded  in  the  celestial.  Saintship  in  the 
coming  age  is  not  connected  with  curses.  Judgments 
cleanse.  A  clean  earth  is  followed  by  clean  services. 
Judgments  always  go  before  justification.  Joys  can 
then  be  constant  and  universal. 

God's  Sovereignty. 

Did  not  God  create  evil  (Isa.  45:  7)? 

In  this  scripture  there  is  no  teaching  that  God  cre- 
ated evil.  As  Sovereign  over  the  universe  he  would 
not  create  wrong.  Satan  rebelled,  went  wrong  and 
brought  evil  into  the  human  family  (Isa.  14:  12,  14). 
God  put  the  penalty  for  every  sin.  God  set  the  judg- 
ment for  every  error  persisted  in.  He  did  the  same 
thing  in  his  world  of  nature.  Put  your  hand  into 
fire,  and  pain  and  judgment  come ;  put  your  foot 
into  boiling  water  and  the  penalty  follows.  God  does 
not  create  evil;  the  passage  properly  rendered  from 
the  Hebrew  does  not  teach  that  God  created  evil.    He 


THE   BOOK   OF   REVELATION        155 

is  ever  loving,  just,  and  merciful  to  put  evil  away. 
Satan  has  made  no  provision  to  stop  pain,  and  put 
away  evil,  however  smart  he  is,  and  makes  so  many 
things  to  appear  plausible.  In  the  text  quoted,  God 
set  the  penalty. 

Angelic  Uniformity. 

Why  does  God  so  frequently  mention  the  kind  of 
clothing  zvorn  by  angels f 

God  ever  begins  within  himself  and  works  out- 
ward to  man.  In  speaking  of  angelic  clothing  some 
great  principle  is  involved  toward  man.  Man  and 
angel  are  connected  in  grace.  In  the  clothing  man 
sees  the  doctrine  of  unity.  Each  is  clothed  like  every 
other  one.  It  has  not  only  uniformity,  but  equality 
as  well.  This  doctrine  runs  through  the  New  Testa- 
ment. Jesus  prayed  for  it  in  his  last  recorded  prayer 
(John  17).  The  Holy  Spirit  teaches  saints  to  be  of 
one  mind  (1  Cor.  1:  10).  Godly  dress  is  so  much 
abused  by  the  ungodly  and  sometimes  by  professing 
believers,  that  God  sets  his  seal  of  disapprobation  up- 
on misuse.  The  abuse  of  dress  destroys  fellowship, 
unity,  happiness.  Look  how  angels  enjoy  the  peace 
of  appearances  approved  by  God. 

The  Plague  Bowls. 

No  one  can  go  into  full  activity  in  service  in  res- 
urrection until  the  last  curses  run  to  completion. 
Cleanness  on  earth  comes  before  service  in  the  next 
age. 

Unto  what  does  God  work? 

Unto  or  toward  completions,  whether  of  judgments 
or  unto  blessings.     His  two-edged  sword,  one  edge 


156  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

of  justice,  the  other  of  mercy,  is  precisely  what  man 
needs.     God  exercises   by  both   edges. 

STUDY  THIRTY-FOUR 

The  Mystery  Babylon  Chapter. — XVII 

The  Seven  Dooms. 

Having  treated  the  bowl  chapter  (16)  with  the 
trumpet  chapters  (8  and  9)  we  go  forward  to  the 
seven  dooms.  The  word  "  doom  "  comes  from  the 
word  "  Dan,"  meaning  "  to  judge,"  or  the  thing 
judged  or  discerned   (Gen.  49:  16). 

How  far  do  these  judgments  or  dooms  run  in  Rev- 
elation f 

They  are  found  in  chapters  17,  18,  19,  and  20. 
Here  is  the  list  and  locations : 

(1)  The  doom  of  Babylon    (17:   1-7). 

(2)  The  doom  of  the  beast  (19:  20). 

(3)  The  doom  of  the  false  prophet  (19:  20). 

(4)  The  doom  of  the  kings  (19:  21). 

(5)  The  doom  of  Satan   (20:   10). 

(6)  The  doom  of  Gog  and  Magog  (20:  7-9;  Ezek. 
38,  39). 

(7)  The  doom  of  the  unbelieving  wicked  (20:  11- 
15). 

What  other  teachings  are  given  in  these  chapters? 

First.     The  last  form  of  Gentile-world  power. 

Second.  The  last  form  of  apostate  Christendom, — 
similar  to   the   last   form  of   apostate  Judaism. 

Third.  The  human  view  of  Babylon's  destruction 
(18:  9-19). 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         157 

Fourth.  The  angelic  view  of  Babylon's  fall  (18: 
20-24). 

Fifth.  The  four  hallelujahs  of  the  glorified  saints 
(19:  1-6).     These  are  spiritual  creations. 

Sixth.  The  marriage  of  the  Lamb  and  his  bride 
(19:  7-10). 

Seventh.  The  coming  of  Christ  to  reign  (19:  11- 
16). 

Eighth.  The  battle  of  Armageddon  (16:  1-3;  19: 
17). 

Ninth.  Satan  cast  into  the  abyss  or  shorn  of  his 
power  for  1,000  years  (20:  1-3). 

Tenth.  The  resurrection  of  the  just  (1  Cor.  15: 
51,  52;  Luke  14:  14;  John  11  :  24). 

Eleventh.  Satan  loosed  from  the  abyss  for  a  little 
season  after  the  1,000  years  to  test  Gentile  nations 
that  have  arisen  during  the  1,000-year  reign  of  Christ 
and  his  saints  (20:  7-9). 

Twelfth.  Jesus,  as  King-priest,  having  conquered 
all  oppositions,  after  1,000  years  turns  his  kingdom 
over  to  Jehovah  (1  Cor.  15:  25-28;  Eph.  1:  22,  23). 

Doom  of  Babylon,  as  God  Sees  It  (17:  1-7). 

Under  what  do  judgments  come  from  this  time 
forward? 

Under  the  seven  seals,  seven  trumpets,  seven  bowls, 
because  symbols  expressive  of  real  judgments  must 
consummate.  Some  details  as  to  each  one's  endings 
will  be  found  in  the  study.  The  corrupting  powers 
are  detailed. 


158  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 


STUDY  THIRTY-FIVE 

The  Great  Harlot  Sentenced  (1-7). 

What  is  the  doom  of  this  monstrous  system  of  dis- 
belief and  the  agencies  which  God  employs? 

"  One  of  the  seven  bowl  angels  "  leads  the  way  in 
views.  This  angel  showed  John  the  judgment  of 
"  the  great  prostitute  that  sitteth  upon  many  waters," 
— by  a  large  body  of  water  and  over  a  great  number  of 
corrupted  people. 

What  has  confused  and  confusing  Babylon  been 
doing  ? 

Babylon  or  confused  Christendom  has  been  suf- 
fering from  this  fornicating  and  drunkard-making 
power  for  centuries. 

Of  what  does  that  fornication  and  drunkenness 
consist? 

Fornication  consists  of  truth  and  error  mixed  so 
as  to  deceive ;  drunkenness  is  stupefying  or  deadening 
the  affections  so  that  faith  can  not  get  hold. 

Grope  Like  the  Blind. — Israel  confessed  her  blind- 
ness, saying,  "  We  grope  for  the  wall  like  the  blind  " 
(Isa.  59:  10).  So  do  all  who  listen  to  the  excusing 
clergy.  "Like  people,  like  priest"  (Hos.  4:  9). 
Leading  evangelists,  made  famous  by  vulgar  wit,  and 
drunk  by  the  shouts  of  the  multitude,  go  about  win- 
ning great  sums  of  money  by  denouncing  certain  sins 
not  popular  with  the  crowd,  but  they  are  easily 
stalled  by  putting  godly  truth  to  them  which  they  ig- 
nore.    Put  John  3 :  3-6  and  Acts  2 :  38  to  them  and 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         159 

observe  how  they  will  rake  their  supply  of  excuses  to 
get  a  reply.  Or  ask  them  to  observe  Roman  16:  16 
and  1  Cor.  16 :  20  and  notice  how  they  will  "  fall 
away  from  the  truth."  Or,  as  you  are  passing  by, 
ask  them  to  read  John  13:  1-17,  and  find  the  "hap- 
piness "  as  Jesus  taught  his  disciples.  Then  notice 
how  eloquent  they  will  get  on  soiled  feet  (of  which 
Jesus  said  nothing  here),  or  put  forth  a  substitute. 
These  spiritual  teachings  for  spiritual  hearts  are  as 
openly  ignored  by  many  who  are  crying  "  Lord, 
Lord,"  as  the  Antichrists  ignore  the  virgin  birth  of 
Jesus.  This  is  "  how  it  is  done."  This  is  why  vast 
numbers  doubt  their  faith.  This  is  why  many  preach- 
ers doubt  their  knowledge.  They  disparage  the  words 
of  Jesus  in  their  disobedience.  "  Ears  they  have, 
but  do  not  hear."  And  because  this  book  has  the 
courage  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  unveil  a  doubting 
clergy,  they  likely  will  disparage  this  "  Open  Way." 
But  the  Open  Way  has  willed  to  will  into  the  Lord's 
WILL,  where  there  is  absolute  safety. 

Come  Out  and  Stay  Out. 

Why  did  the  angel  show  the  fearful  foulness  of 
Babylonian  confusion  of  faiths? 

Likely  that  Jesus'  disciples  may  have  sufficient 
warning  not  to  partake  of  her  sins.  This  teaching 
is  in  perfect  accord  with  1  Cor.  6:  17  and  the  book  of 
Leviticus  or  the  Law.  Leviticus  embraces  (1)  Dedi- 
cation. (2)  Mediation.  (3)  Separation.  (4)  Con- 
secration.     (5)    Ratification. 

You  will  observe  that  separation  from  the  world 
comes   before    consecration,   or  heart-holiness.      God 


160  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

can  not  wholly  bless  the  believer  while  he  is  mixed 
with  world-evils  or  the  doubting  class. 

What  more  may  be  learned  by  separation? 

God  made  ample  provision  for  Israel's  "  approach 
and  appropriation  in  service,  but  no  less  so  did  he 
provide  for  separation  from  false  teachings  and  false 
practices  in  this  age."  They  were  a  people  to  "  be 
God-governed  and  God-manifesting."  There  can  yet 
be  no  God-manifesting  without  being  God-governed, 
and  there  can  be  no  God-governing  without  being 
separated  to  God. 

In  what  particulars  should  a  believer  be  separated 
from  the  world  and  to  God? 

Israel  was  separated  from  every  heathenish  prac- 
tice, from  leprosy,  unchastity,  and  all  kinds  of  un- 
cleanness.  So  the  Christian  is  expected  to  be  sepa- 
rated from  worldly-evils  of  every  kind,  such  as  danc- 
ing between  sexes,  gambling,  excesses  of  even  good 
things,  vulgarities,  filthy  business,  wars,  briberies, 
thefts,  etc.   (Gal.  6:  19-21). 

How  may  one  get  entirely  away  from  false  beliefs 
and  ungodly  practices? 

By  serving  the  Lord  God  Almighty  in  perfect  trust. 
A  Most  Popular  and  Fashionable  Woman. 

Who  is  she? 

When  Satan  saw  God  use  a  godly  woman  as  a 
picture  of  Israel  and  of  the  church,  he  imitated  God 
and  chose  a  woman  for  his  big  crowd  and  put  her  on 
a  seven-headed  beast  to  ride  over  the  world.  God's 
woman  (Israel)  had  to  flee  into  the  wilderness,  of 
the  world,  while  Satan's  woman,  or  body  of  servers, 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         161 

took  to  the  popular  wave  of  the  great  throng.  So 
God  calls  you  out  and  asks  you  to  stay  out  of  this 
low  mixture. 

Finely  Arrayed  Woman. 

How  is  Satan's  woman  dressed  f 

In  gaudy  array.  She  is  ever  in  worldly  fashion 
constantly  changing,  expensive,  showy,  calling  for  dis- 
play. As  a  sign  of  her  badness  she  is  dressed  in  scar- 
let, bedecked  with  jewelry,  hunting  the  latest  styles, 
arranging  for  "  Fashion  Day,"  and  intensely  eager 
for  styles.  This  is  not  serving  God  but  self,  which  is 
idolatry. 

STUDY  THIRTY-SIX 

The  Symbolic  Woman. 

Is  woman  used  symbolically  anywhere  else  in  the 
Bible? 

She  is  so  used  in  Zech.  5:  5-11.  God  uses  a  meas- 
ure, or  epha,  holding  about  three  pecks,  puts  a  woman 
into  this  "  cup,"  places  a  heavy  weight  upon  the  mouth 
of  the  epha,  and  supplies  two  women  with  storklike 
wings  to  carry  the  cup-woman  into  the  land  of  Shinar. 
Something  was  wrong  with  Judah ;  she  was  in  idol- 
atry and  other  great  evils.  He  regarded  these  evils  as 
having  been  thrust  into  Judah's  worship  by  unjust 
authority — man  dealing  with  "  mixed  things "  in 
worship — so  he  delivers  Judah  to  the  heathen  in 
Babylon  until  she  gets  her  fill  of  the  pure  paganism. 
Perhaps  if  she  lives  in  it  seventy  years  and  can  not 
mix  it  with  God's  genuine  worship  she  will  long  for 


162  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

the  pure  kind.     So  he  carries  Judah  into  Babylon  for 
corrections. 

Will  he  carry  impure  Christendom  into  the  tribu- 
lation, which  is  on  the  way,  to  make  her  full  with  her 
"  admixtures "  in   the  world-judgments? 

God  must  judge  or  correct  (2  Sam.  8:2;  Jer.  51: 
13;  Heb.  3:  6,  7;  Matt.  7:  2;  23:  32). 

State  more  fully  a  case  in  our  own  day  as  to  ad- 
mixtures of  good  and  evil? 

A  church  body  under  the  plea  of  "  progress  "  and 
"  good  works  "  injects  some  hurtful  method  into  her 
practices  so  that  the  whole  is  endangered,  except 
such  as  are  "  wise,"  "  who,  as  advanced  Christians 
have  been  trained  by  practice  to  distinguish  right  from 
wrong"  (Heb.  5:  14).  Sometimes  the  method  in- 
jected or  employed  eats  up  the  righteous  principles, 
for  right  principles  must  be  operated  by  right  meth- 
ods. Righteous  principles  can  be  hypnotized  or  put 
into  disuse  by  wrong  methods  under  the  plea  of 
"  progress." 

Why  not  employ  methods  to  "  suit  the  times "  ? 

There  is  no  requirement,  no  command  nor  inti- 
mation from  God  that  the  church  may  bend  his  truth 
to  suit  a  wicked  world!  That  would  be  injecting  the 
leaven  of  wickedness  into  the  worship  of  God.  It 
might  be  Jezebelism,  or  Balaamism,  or  Nicolaitanism, 
or  higher  criticism,  or  ungodly  adornment,  or  gam- 
bling, or  corrupt  society  practices,  or  unfair  combi- 
nations, or  the  love  of  money  by  tolerating  evils 
where  money  or  false  positions  are  dominating.  It 
takes  Holy  Spirit  understanding  to  discern  the  good 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION        163 

from  the  evil.  Matt.  13:  33  is  to  be  understood  and 
applied  by  way  of  restraint.  In  that  text  woman  or 
undue  church  authority  may  admit  or  inject  evil 
methods  or  practices  into  the  "  meal  of  worship," 
and  into  the  meal  of  fellowship  one  with  the  other, 
or  into  the  meal  of  communion  with  God.  It  would 
result  in  corruption. 

Is  man  ever  used  in  Scripture  symbolically  for 
evil? 

A  bad  woman  is  used  symbolically  in  religion,  while 
bad  men  are  used  as  types  of  evil  in  politics  or  gov- 
ernments. There  is  a  Nebuchadnezzar,  or  a  Balaam, 
or  a  Belshazzar,  or  a  Nimrod  for  every  Jezebel,  for 
every  dancing  Salome. 

How  may  the  leaven  of  evils  be  kept  out  of  the 
church  of  Christ? 

By  permitting  the  Holy  Spirit  to  sit  in  councils, 
conventions  and  conferences.  By  refusing  to  sanction 
the  pleas,  requests,  demands  to  admit  questionable 
methods — plans  which  originate  in  worldly  schemes, 
tricks,  amusements,  love  of  money,  love  of  fame,  am- 
bition, and  the  error  of  suiting  the  times,  which  is 
another  way  of  saying,  to  win  a  world  that  rejects 
regeneration  and  relies  upon  mere  human  reformation, 
"  Ye  must  be  born  again  "  still  holds  good  with  God. 
And  more :  one  regenerated  must  stay  born. 

Why  does  God  reveal  so  much  evil  in  man  and  in 
the  world  governments? 

God  is  absolutely  just  and  impartial.  He  will  not 
cover  or  send  sin  off  save  by  the  Cross  or  blood  of 
Christ,  to  be  applied  by  man  to  his  life.  To  inject 
good,  pure  blood  into  a  leprous  body  will  not  cure 


164  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

leprosy ;  so  Christ's  blood  applied  to  retained  sins  will 
not  send  sins  away.  Hence  God  through  Christ  ever 
insists  that  repentance  by  Jesus'  blood  is  the  only 
cure  for  sin-diseases.  He  calls  and  calls  all  the  time 
for  sinners  to  come  to  him  so  he  can  send  sins  off — 
put  cleanness  where  filthiness  once  prevailed.  This 
is  why  God  reveals  sins.  Sinner,  will  you  get 
"  scared  "  at  your  sins  and  flee  into  the  only  Refuge, 
Jesus  the  Christ?  God  uncovers  the  hideousness  of 
sins  through  his  goodness  the  more  to  impress  believ- 
ers to  avoid  Babylon's  contaminations,  to  persuade  be- 
lievers to  greater  holiness ;  to  be  separate  from  the 
doom  put  upon  all  who  oppose  God  (2  Cor.  6:  17, 
18). 

Why  do  not  the  vast  throng  of  professing  Chris- 
tians give  heed  to  Rom.  12:  1,  2;  1  Tim.  2:  9-11; 
1  Peter  3;  1-5;  Titus  2:  11,  12,  and  thus  avoid  loss 
by  disobedience? 

Because  the  truth  has  been  so  mutilated  by  false 
or  corrupt  teachers,  that  the  people  are  largely  igno- 
rant of  these  consecrated  truths  for  consecrated  lives. 

What  is  the  distinguishing  mark  of  this  Babylonian 
woman? 

First,  she  is  "  mysterious  "  ;  hides  many  things  lest 
her  doings  come  to  the  light. 

Second,  greatness  is  hers :  many  follow  her. 

Third,  she  is  a  mother  of  a  multitude  of  children. 

Fourth,  she  is  an  abomination  of  the  earth :  a  people 
of  corrupt  practices. 

Why  is  she  drunken? 

Because  she  is  mad  with  the  blood  of  saints  and  the 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         165 

blood  of  martyrs  of  Jesus.  She  staggers  with  the 
awful    amount   of   innocent   blood   in   her  being. 

How  did  this  view  of  the  harlot  affect  John? 

John  "  was  amazed  beyond  measure."  While  he 
knew  the  depths  of  sin,  yet  he,  for  the  first  time,  saw 
its  dazzling  splendor,  so  much  to  wonder  at,  so  much 
worship  toward  God  that  is  not  from  God.  Harlotry, 
as  pictured  in  the  Bible,  is  a  symbol  of  idolatry,  adul- 
tery,  fornication. 

Nimrodism. 

What  did  Nimrod,  grandson  of  Ham,  and  Bar- 
cush  (son  of  Cush)  do  to  corrupt? 

Bar-cush  is  still  dominating  many  religious  cere- 
monies in  an  overflowing,  enlivening  power — a  sort 
of  drunkenness  or  numbness  in  an  alluring  way. 
Nimrod  means  "  a  rebellious  panther."  He  is  still  a 
rebellious  mighty  one.  John  was  amazed  at  this  great 
mass  of  organized  evil  permeated  with  gorgeousness. 

How  did  God's  woman,  standing  for  saintship  the 
world  over,  adorn  her  body? 

"  With  appropriate  dress,  worn  quietly  and  modest- 
ly, not  with  wreaths  of  gold  ornaments  for  the  hair, 
not  with  pearls  or  costly  clothing,  but — as  is  proper 
for  women  who  profess  to  be  religious — with  good 
actions"   (1  Tim.  2:  9,  10). 

It  was  "  not  the  adornment  of  the  arrangement  of 
the  hair,  the  wearing  of  jewelry,  or  the  putting  on  of 
dresses,  but  the  inner  life  with  the  imperishable  beauty 
of  a  quiet  and  gentle  spirit,  for  this  is  very  precious 
in  the  sight  of  God"  (1  Peter  3:  3,  4). 

This  is  how  the  saints  or  holy  ones  appear  in  this 


166  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

age.  What  a  contrast  to  Satan's  woman  riding  on  a 
great  beast  dressed  in  all  the  gaudy  colors  and  un- 
godly styles  of  unregenerate  peoples ! 

What  are  the  self-evident  truths  as  to  modest 
clothes? 

The  first  self-evident  truth  is  that  all  believers  must 
wear  clothes. 

The  second  self-evident  truth  is  that  every  kind  of 
clothes  must  have  form. 

The  third  self-evident  truth  is  that  somebody  must 
make  the  form  for  the  Christian,  for  no  cloth  can 
make  itself  into  form. 

The  solemn  heavenly  truth  is  that  the  Holy  Spirit 
will  make  a  plain,  simple  form  for  the  Christian  if 
he  is  permitted ;  but  the  Spirit  does  not  live  in  mil- 
linery shops,  and  rarely  is  he  invited  to  go  along  to 
select  the  goods  and  the  form.  The  fashion  plate  is 
preferred  to  the  Holy  Spirit.  Christian  assemblies 
are  affected  by  deafness.  Why  do  not  Christian  as- 
semblies give  ear  to  the  Scriptures  on  plain  apparel? 

Because  Christian  congregations  are  mostly  con- 
trolled by  environments,  and  Satan  has  made  the 
surroundings.  To  deny  self  of  all  ungodliness  (Titus 
2:  12)  would  bring  difficulty,  and  the  marchers  on 
the  "  broad  way  "  are  not  shunning  worldly  difficul- 
ties. 

An  Abyss  Beast. 

What  was  John  about  to  see? 

A  beast  or  dynasty  about  to  rise  out  of  the  abyss, 
or  underworld.  He  saw  him  go  on  to  destruction 
with  a  big  crowd  who  believed  they  were  marching 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         167 

straight  into  salvation.    Were  they  not  successful  be- 
cause they  were  many? 

A  Seven-headed  Monster. 

What  did  John  see  arising  ? 

He  saw  the  last  form  of  Gentile-world  power,  as- 
suming form. 

From  John's  vision  day  until  the  end  of  the  present 
age  the  eighth  one  arises.  This  is  the  beast  of  chap- 
ter 13,  out  of  the  sea,  and  is  double  headed — political 
and  religious.  It  gathers  to  itself  all  evils  that  have 
been  in  the  other  seven  kingdoms,  adds  to  it  the  eccles- 
iastical meanness,  and  terminates  as  the  man  of  sin 
(2  Thess.  2:  3-12;  Rev.  19:  20). 

What  do  the  ten  horns  symbolize? 

Powers  that  fall  under  the  seven  heads.     They  are 
"hour"    kings;    get    authority     for    a    brief    time. 
"  Hour "   means   short   time,   as   Jesus   said :   "  Mine 
hour  is  come"   (John  17:  1). 
Two  Hurtful  Powers. 

What  hurtful  powers  are  looming  up? 

The  great  "  whore  "  of  Rev.  18,  guiding  apostate 
Christendom,  courting  modern  Babylon  (Rev.  17:  8- 
18),  uniting  for  one  sole  purpose  to  secure  the  whole 
earth  in  greediness  of  gain,  false  display  and  carnal 
amusements.  It  is  the  last  effort  to  gain  and  con- 
duct a  world-wide  power,  gathering  to  the  fulness 
of  Gentile  times. 
Saintly  Comfort. 

What  great  saintly  comfort  did  Jesus  leave  to  every 
believer? 

"  And  now  I  leave  you  a  blessing ;  it  is  my  own 


168  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

blessing  [peace]  that  I  give  unto  you.  I  do  not  give 
the  world  [unbelievers]  as  the  world  gives  "  (John 
14:  27).  "In  me  you  may  find  peace;  in  the  world 
you  will  find  trouble"  (John  16:  33).  Do  you  take 
this,  believe  this,  patiently  endure  and  wait  your 
crown  as  king-priest? 

Babylon's  Bankruptcy. 

Will  not  this  worldly  strife  lead  to  bankruptcy? 

It  is  very  probable.  With  expenses  piling  up  at  the 
rate  of  hundreds  of  millions  of  dollars  each  week, 
how  can  the  European  nations  escape  bankruptcy? 
Borrowing  $500,000,000  from  the  wealthy  people  of 
the  United  States  does  not  augur  well  for  our  re- 
public as  against  kings  and  emperors ! 

What  can  happen  if  Germany  should  win  a  decisive 
victory? 

In  that  case  should  Germany  demand  several  bil- 
lion dollars'  indemnity,  out  of  the  first  revenues  of 
France  and  England,  how  much  will  the  bonds  of 
those  countries  be  worth?  Suppose  our  own  nation 
is  urged  by  the  loaners  to  help  collect  their  money, 
what  will  prevent  our  nation  from  becoming  em- 
broiled in  a  conflict?  The  possibilities  of  the  United 
States  becoming  deeply  involved  in  those  griefs  is 
not  remote. 

Can  human  beings  comprehend  the  vastness  of  the 
evils  growing  out  of  this  European  conflict? 

No,  no.  Mind  is  too  limited  to  get  the  reach. 
Even  the  very  earth  is  being  made  useless  by  trenches, 
underground  buildings ;  and  millions  of  tons  of  metal 
and  other  war  materials  fill  the  thousands  of   farm 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         169 

lands.  Already  France  and  England  have  contracted 
for  false  limbs  to  the  amount  of  $15,000,000  for 
crippled  soldiers ;  and  orphans  and  widows  count  up 
into  the  millions.  Only  the  bowl  judgments  of  Rev. 
16  are  more  extensive  and  destructive,  because  all 
present  horrors  likely  typify  all  revealed  of  the  seals, 
trumpets  and  bowls. 

Will  lasting  peace  come  out  of  this  struggle ? 

Human  peace,  though  not  lasting,  is  preferable  to 
human  slaughter.  Unregene rated  peace  is  not  lasting. 
The  pope  of  Rome  may  assist  to  bring  national  peace, 
but  will  it  be  regenerated  national  peace?  Only  the 
World-wide  Regenerator,  Jesus  Christ,  can  bring 
everlasting  peace ! 

STUDY  THIRTY-SEVEN 
The  Apostate  Christendom  Chapter. — XVIII 

The  Call  to  Heed. 

What  comes  next  in  order? 

An  "  angel  descending  from  heaven."  He  was  en- 
trusted with  great  authority  and  he  was  brilliant  in 
splendor.  With  a  mighty  voice,  unsecret,  he  cried 
out,  "  She  has  fallen !  Great  Babylon."  Most  ex- 
tensive of  all  professing  Christians  !  Great  body ! 
Wealthy !  membership  above  all !  She  is  the  habita- 
tion, the  dwelling  place,  of  "  every  evil  spirit," — of 
every  pretension  to  piety.  She  is  the  cage  of  every 
foul  fowl,  of  every  hateful  bird.  She  is  the  strong- 
hold of  every  wicked  spirit.  The  merchants  of  the 
earth  have  grown  rich  through  her  helpful  traffic  in 


170  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

badness.  She  indulges  heresies,  necromancy,  as- 
trology, fortune-telling,  familiar  spiritism,  setting 
aside  some  of  the  commands  of  God.  She  has  a 
great  variety  of  amusements,  games,  diversions,  and 
sees  "  no  harm  in  them."  She  does  not  ask,  "  What 
use  are  these  games,  amusements,  programs,  and 
worldly  entertainments  with  changes  in  divine  prac- 
tices?" but  excuses  herself  continually.  "What 
harm  is  there  in  them?  No  harm  of  themselves;  for 
they  can  not  operate  themselves."  However,  what 
sobriety,  what  piety,  what  consecration  can  any  be- 
liever get  from  them? 

Babylon,  Babylon,  confusion,  scattering;  destruc- 
tion by  "  the  system." 

What  does  Babylon  say  of  herself ? 

"  I  am  no  widow !  I  sit  as  a  queen.  I  shall  see  no 
sorrow.  The  world  is  getting  better.  I  am  in  the 
world.  I  make  the  world.  I  have  need  of  nothing. 
I  hold  office  in  the  world,  I  enforce  the  laws!  I  call 
out  the  military  when  the  people  rebel.  I  kill  the  un- 
behaving !  I  build  navies,  and  raise  armies !  I  send 
armies  against  rulers  I  do  not  like.  I  think  all  are 
saved  who  believe  my  principles." 

Why  is  it  said  of  Babylon  or  Babel  that  she  "  is 
fallen,  is  fallen  "  ? 

The  announcement  is  doubled  because  her  fall  will 
be  intensified. 

The  Human  View  of  Babylon. 

Having  heard  the  last  call  to  "  come  out  of  her  " 
we  pass  to  God's  view  of  the  fall  of  Babylon  (9-19). 
What  does  God  see? 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         171 

The  kings  of  the  earth,  the  fornicators  who  took 
Babylon's  advice,  thinking  it  was  good  because  it 
came  from  such  high  sources — all  who  lived  delicious- 
ly  with  her,  changed  their  church  methods  to  get 
popular  with  her,  accepted  her  practices,  believing 
they  were  getting  nearer  the  Bible — all,  all  lament 
her  fall! 

Why  do  so  many  just  at  that  time  stand  afar  off 
and  look  on? 

They  lament  the  awful  fall  and  cry  out  "  Alas ! 
alas ! "  Greatly  intensified  they  see  the  great  city 
go  down.     She  is  burning  up !     Judgment  has  come. 

What  is  the  matter  with  the  merchants  of  the 
earth  ? 

I  am  wondering  if  the  word  "  earth  "  here  means 
earth  to  such  as  shut  their  eyes  to  Revelation  1 :  5 ;  5 : 
10.  Here  earthly  merchants  deal  in  earthly  merchan- 
dise, and  earthly  gold,  and  earthly  silver,  and  earthly 
precious  stones,  and  earthly  pearls,  and  earthly  fine 
linen,  and  earthly  silk,  and  earthly  scarlet,  and  earthly 
thyine  wood,  and  earthly  vessels  of  ivory,  and  of 
brass  and  iron,  and  marble,  and  earthly  cinnamon,  and 
earthly  ointments,  and  earthly  oil,  and  earthly  fine 
flour,  and  earthly  wheat,  and  earthly  sheep,  and 
earthly  horses,  and  earthly  chariots  (automobiles), 
and  earthly  slaves — all  come  into  view  as  affecting 
the  admirers  of  Babylon  as  she  was. 

In  what  condition  will  those  be  who  mourn  much 
over  Babylon's  fall? 

Their  affections  will  be  strong  for  wealth.  They 
will  cry  "  Alas,  alas,  that  great  city,  that  was  clothed 


172  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

in  fine  linen,"  etc.  They  look  at  her  wealth,  her 
adornment  and  her  riches.  She  will  have  tremendous 
influences  over  business,  science,  religion  and  all 
trades.  Shipmasters,  tradesmen  and  dealers  of  all 
kinds  will  be  selfish  and  unfeeling,  just  like  their 
mistress.  She  will  be  made  desolate  in  a  brief  time ! 
Sodom  and  Gomorrah  were  warned  when  in  sin,  but 
their  judgment  came  suddenly.  So  Babylon's  judg- 
ment will  come.  Now  is  the  time  to  get  out  and  stay 
out! 

An  Angelic  View  of  Babylon's  Undoing  (18:  20-24). 

Study  with  this  Rev.  17:  1-7  and  18:  1-8. 

What  does  the  angel  ask  heaven,  apostles  and 
prophets  to  do? 

To  rejoice  at  Babylon's  fall.  To  be  glad  she  is 
out  of  the  way  of  saints  and  all  heaven. 

What  motions  did  another  angel  go  through  at  wit- 
nessing Babylon's  destruction? 

He  cast  a  great  millstone  into  the  sea.  It  was  a 
wonderful  testimony  to  God's  truth. 

What  kinds  of  business  went  with  Babylon's  fall? 

Every  kind  of  tainted  business — instrumental 
music,  craftsmen,  such  as  plumbers,  carpenters,  stone 
and  brick  layers,  painters,  machinists — all  will  find 
no  more  wages  from  her;  no  more  marriages  (Luke 
17:  28).  Saints  will  become  like  angels  who  never 
marry  (Matt.  22:  30). 

How  are  people  deceived  by  Mystery  Babylon? 

By  sorceries   (declaring  and  throwing  lots),  or  en- 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         173 

chantments,  or  deceiving,  putting  forth  wrongs  and 
counting  them  rights.  Poor,  bloody  body !  For 
centuries  she  has  shed  the  blood  of  prophets,  and  of 
saints  until  she  herself  loses  her  blood ! 

Are  there  no  other  Babylons  presented  to  biblical 
students? 

There  was  a  literal  Babylon  which  existed  as  the 
most  exalted,  wealthy,  and  forceful  city  on  the  earth. 
She  began  about  B.  C.  1700,  founded  by  Nimrod,  a 
grandson  of  Ham.  He  founded  the  cities  of  Babylon, 
Erech,  Accad,  Calneh,  and  in  Assyria  the  cities  of 
Nineveh,  Rehoboth,  Calah  and  Resen.  He  became 
the  first  idolater.  What  would  have  been  the  result 
if  all  men  had  remained  in  the  country?  The  evils  of 
Babylon  still  afflict  mankind   (Isa.  13:   1). 


STUDY  THIRTY-EIGHT 

The  Marriage  of  the  Lamb  Chapter. — XIX 

Four  Felicities  (1-6). 

Since  the  saints  will  be  taken  up  into  the  air  to 
escape  world-wide  judgments  and  to  be  married  to 
the  Lamb,  there  will  be  given  to  the  saints  the  holy 
privilege  to  proclaim  four  tremendous  praises  to  God 
for  his  victory  over  evils.  These  spiritual  saints, 
having  judged  themselves  by  obeying  the  Word  while 
on  earth,  are  now  in  great  ecstasy. 

First,  "  Hallelujah ;  salvation,  and  glory,  and  honor 
and  power,  unto  the  Lord  our  God."  Here  four 
things  in  the  first  of  the  four  hallelujahs  are  pro- 
claimed   in    harmony    with    the    four   living   ones    in 


174  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

chapter  4.  Again,  those  "  much  people  "  said :  "  Hal- 
lelujah."    It  was  the  first  one  repeated — intensified. 

The  third  hallelujah  was  participated  in  by  the 
four  living  ones  and  the  twenty-four  elders.  These 
"  worshiped  God  "  and  proclaimed  hallelujah.  The 
word  means  "  praise,  rejoicings." 

The  fourth  praise  was  a  Throne-praise  and  it  was 
a  universal  scene ;  "  Praise  our  God,  all  ye  his  serv- 
ants, and  ye  that  fear  him,  both  small  and  great." 
And  in  response  there  was  heard  "  the  voice  of  a 
great  multitude,  and  as  the  voice  of  many  waters 
[peoples],  and  as  the  voice  of  mighty  thunderings 
[motions  of  justice  and  mercy],  saying,  'HALLE- 
LUJAH :   for  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth.' " 

What  did  these  great  praises  signify? 

Since  they  come  just  before  the  marriage  of  the 
Lamb  and  his  bride,  they  signify  that  just  after  these 
four  hallelujahs  the  marriage  will  take  place.  A  new 
administration  will  then  be  started.  How  glad  all 
saints  should  be  to  know  this !  The  best  of  all  ad- 
ministrations is  theirs  forever. 

The  Marriage  of  the  Lamb  and  His  Bride. 

What  relation  exists  between  marriage  of  the  Lamb 
and  the  King's  Son  in  Matt.  22:  1-14? 

The  parties  are  the  same.  Matt.  22  is  the  picture 
and  Rev.  19:  7-10  is  the  description  of  the  marriage. 

How  did  the  bride  make  herself  ready? 

By  faith,  and  obedience.  She  believed  every  truth 
for  faith ;  she  believed  and  obeyed  every  fact ;  and 
more,  she  believed  every  promise  and  finds  true  joy. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         175 

Is  Israel  included  in  the  bride ? 

Israel  is  now  Jehovah's  wife,  living  away  from  God 
in  spiritual  adultery,  but  will  be  cleansed  and  given 
wifehood  in  purity  and  power  (Hos.  1,  2,  3).  Israel 
is  yet  the  wife  of  Jehovah,  but  in  bondage. 

Why  are  those  summoned  to  the  marriage  of  the 
Lamb  blessed,  happy,  blissful,  felicitous? 

Because  in  the  earthly  bodies  they  were  true  to 
every  obligation  as  adopted  sons,  keeping,  with  other 
graces,  the  Lord's  supper  (Luke  22:  20;  John  13: 
2;  1  Cor.  11 :  20).  Saints  did  not  doubt  the  Antitype 
on  earth.     "  Those  words  of  God  are  true." 

Just  the  Right  Array. 

What  constitutes  the  proper  garment  for  saint ship ? 

Christ's  righteous  acts.  Christ's  life  applied  to 
disciples.  It  is  clean,  white  life.  It  is  in  fineness 
above  all  other  life.  Just  thoughts,  just  words,  just 
actions,  just  dealings,  just  relations  to  God  and  man. 

Making  the  World  Better. 

Is  mankind  growing  better? 

Who  but  God  knows  whether  mankind  is  growing 
in  God's  wisdom,  God's  holy  practices  and  in  God's 
moral  forces?  Man  follows  many  standards,  even 
some  that  are  very  deficient  in  high  attainments.  So 
long  as  there  is  an  increased  population  of  heathen  it 
is  doubtful  if  mankind,  as  a  whole,  improves  much  in 
morals. 

What  are  the  opposing  forces  to  the  attainments  of 
an  ideal  life  in  Christ? 

The  hindrances  are  so  lengthily  considered  in  this 


176  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

book  out  of  the  very  scope  of  revelation  that  further 
pursuit  is  not  necessary. 

What  has  been  done  to  meet  the  requirements  in 
gospel  evangelization? 

Hundreds  of  millions  of  copies  of  the  Bible  and 
portions  of  the  Bible  have  been  published  and  dis- 
tributed among  all  nations.  In  this  way  Bible  knowl- 
edge has  been  given  to  all  nations  and  "  the  gospel  of 
the  kingdom  "  has  been  "  preached  in  all  the  world  for 
a  witness."  Notwithstanding  the  Anglo-Saxon  people 
have  done  this  with  f  ree-heartedness,  no  man  in  Christ 
is  yet  delivered  from  the  responsibility  of  helping  to 
teach  all  nations  by  prayer,  by  money,  by  influences. 
Until  Christ  arrives  and  releases  the  Christian,  he 
must  be  missionary,  both  in  spirit  and  in  actuality. 

What  are  the  means  and  activities  one  can  employ ? 

One  can  urge  the  work,  whether  organized  or  not 
organized  into  mission  boards,  or  under  any  other 
name.  One  can  go  at  it  personally  or  send  some  one 
and  meet  the  expenses.  Organized  effort  is  a  short 
cut  across  the  field  instead  of  going  around  by  the 
highway.  The  apostles  went  the  highway-route  and 
did  more  than  many  an  organized  effort.  Preach  the 
Gospel  anyway,  every  way  in  the  Lord,  but  it  must 
be  in  God's  way. 

Through  personal  efforts,  through  organized  meas- 
ures large  numbers  have  been  reached  with  the  Gospel. 
Tracts,  leaflets,  pamphlets,  books  have  gone  out  to 
many  millions ;  ministers  have  braved  great  dangers 
to  carry  the  messages :  Leagues,  Endeavorers,  Work- 
ers, ministrations,  hospital  efforts,  and  many  kinds  of 
lines  are   followed  with  an  extensive  Sunday-school 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         177 

system  to  make  mankind  conscious  of  better  things. 
Some  of  it  may  be  lost  on  stony  ground,  some  may  be 
choked  by  thorns,  others  may  have  been  food  for 
fowls.  And  more,  these  tares  may  have  stung  many 
indeed.  But  all  these  do  not  give  the  "  good  seed  " 
release  from  more  and  greater  effort  to  sow  the 
Word. 

Is  it  right  to  preach  the  Gospel  through  strife? 

The  Holy  Spirit  in  the  heart  of  Paul  said,  "  It  is 
true  that  some  actually  proclaim  Christ  out  of  jeal- 
ousy and  opposition ;  but  there  are  others  who  pro- 
claim it  out  of  good-will.  Nevertheless  Christ  is 
preached"  (Philpp.  1:  18),  whether  "in  pretense  or 
in  truth." 

As  to  the  growth,  God  will  care  for  that.  God 
giveth  the  increase,  and  let  us  all  take  more  interest 
in  what  God  has  committed  to  us.  There  are  many 
personal  commissions  which  will  keep  us  all  active  in 
our  "  Father's  business." 

STUDY  THIRTY-NINE. 

The  Doctrine  of  Uniformity. 

Do  the  teachings  in  the  New  Testament  for  this 
age  reappear  in  the  book  of  Revelation? 

They  certainly  do.  If  God  deigns  to  give  man 
duties,  obligations  and  means  of  service  to  honor  him- 
self, they  surely  must  go  on  to  the  close;  and  as  they 
are  divine,  both  in  purpose  and  in  effects,  in  the  sons 
of  men,  they  will  appear  in  the  predictions  as  re- 
flectives  or  pictures. 


178  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Is  the  principle  of  repetition  in  both  duties  and 
predictions  still  carried  forward  to  the  end? 

It  is.  All  of  God's  efforts  have  been  to  bring  men 
who  believe  him  into  UNITY;  we  still  have  teachings 
of  uniformity  in  diversity,  and  diversity  in  uniformity 
in  Revelation. 

This  doctrine  of  uniformity  is  based  on  the  whole 
truth  of  God.  Holiness  of  heart  is  the  ground  of 
growth  (Rom.  12:  1,  2;  1  Cor.  1:  1-10;  1  Tim.  2:  9, 
10;  2  Cor.  7:  1). 

Why  do  some  professing  Christians  ask,  on  ques- 
tionable conduct  and  doubtful  dressing,  "  What  harm 
is  there  in  it?  " 

Probably  they  know  no  better.  Possibly  their  teach- 
ers know  no  better.  And  so  long  as  people  seek  self- 
justification  for  questionable  conduct,  and  do  not  read 
or  study  the  Bible,  excuses,  lapses,  and  neglects  re- 
sult. If  preachers,  teachers,  writers,  and  all  who  say 
"  Lord,  Lord  "  were  to  teach  and  ask,  "  Can  I  apply 
Christ's  righteous  acts  by  going  to  this  place  or  by 
my  conduct  and  appearance?"  possibly  looking  for 
"  no  harm  "  would  cease. 

The  Second  Coming  of  Christ  in  Glory  (Rev.  19: 
11-16). 

Name  a  few  related  passages  (Matt.  24:  16-30; 
Acts  1:  11). 

Nothing  is  more  certain  than  that  Jesus  will  come 
to  earth,  without  sin  unto  salvation  in  great  glory  to 
take  charge  of  human  affairs.  The  view  is  that  of 
the  Lamb  leaving  the  throne  of  his  Father  to  become 
King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords  on  earth. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         179 

What  was  open  to  John's  vision? 

An  "  open  heaven."     God  is  ever  open  to  his  own. 

What  did  John  see  that  was  wonderful? 

He  saw  "  Faithful  and  True  "  sitting  upon  a  white 
horse.  This  is  the  second  time  Jesus  appears  on  a 
white  horse,  and  once  he  came  into  view  upon  a 
white  cloud,  and  lastly  he  will  appear  on  a  white 
throne  (20:  11).  Each  time  the  King  of  kings  in 
xvhite  means  judgment  and  rulership  toward  men. 
He  is  not  only  exact,  but  just  and  holy. 

Is  any  description  repeated  here? 

Yes;  those  flame-eyes  of  Rev.  1:  14  reappear. 
None  shall  escape  his  piercing  eyes. 

Why  are  many  crowns  looming  up  on  his  head? 

As  Victor  of  all  the  earth  he  is  entitled  to  many 
crowns.     He  has  gained  many  victories. 

What  other  new  thing  appears? 

A  new  name  for  Christ,  known  only  to  himself. 
His  spiritual  brethren  also  get  new  names,  known 
only  to  such  as  get  that  new  name  (Rev.  2:  17). 

Why  should  his  clothing  be  "  dipped  in  blood  "  like 
Joseph's  was? 

Jesus'  bloody  vesture  means  that  he  will  bring  the 
sign  of  redemption  with  him  to  earth,  that  saints  may 
behold  with  joy  the  cost  of  their  purchase,  and  sin- 
ners should  see  what  they  rejected.  "  His  name  is 
called  The  Word  of  God." 

Are  there  armies  in  heaven? 

There  are,  and  Michael  is  their  chief  (Rev.  12:  7). 
This  angel  is  clothed  in  white,  again  expressive  of 


180  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Christ's  righteousness  in  victory.  Each  warrior  was 
clothed  like  every  other  warrior,  which  is  a  repeti- 
tion of  godly  doctrine  of  this  age. 

Have  we  studied  about  "  a  sharp  sword  "  hereto- 
fore? 

We  have.  See  Rev.  1 :  16;  2 :  12 ;  6:  4.  It  is  still 
the  Word-Sword.  With  this  "  he  will  smite "  or 
judge   the    (Gentile)    nations    (Matt.  25:   31,   32). 

After  that  judgment  will  he  rule  them? 

"  He  will  rule  them  with  a  rod  of  iron — strong, 
pure  government." 

He  will  govern  with  exactness  as  "  KING  OF 
KINGS  AND  LORD  OF  LORDS"  only  can— in 
delightful  love  and  unyielding  firmness. 

STUDY  FORTY 

The  Armageddon  Conflict. 

What  does  this  word  mean? 

It  means  hill  of  Megiddo,  north  of  Jerusalem, 
where  Israel  won  victories  over  Gentile  Syrians,  and 
Midianites.  Here  the  woman  judge,  Deborah, 
helped  the  man,  Barak,  to  win  a  notable  victory. 
There  will  be  women  victors  with  Christ ! 

Between  whom  will  the  battle  of  Armageddon  be 
fought? 

Between  the  hosts  of  sin  and  Christ,  for  the  issue 
will  be  who  shall  have  the  earth,  Christ  who  bought  it 
or  Satan  who  is  only  a  comer-down.  This  closing 
battle  will  take  place  at  the  end  of  Christ's  reign  on 
earth. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         181 

When  will  this  great  contest  take  place? 

The  exact  day  or  time  is  not  known  to  mankind, 
but  it  will  occur  when  Christ  comes  with  all  his  saints 
to  take  charge  of  the  earth.  Each  year  sin  embodied 
in  men  and  in  nations  ferments  until  it  becomes  so 
hideous  that  God's  remedy  will  be  applied.  Jesus  as 
Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah  must  tread  the  grapes  in  the 
press  of  the  maddening  wine  of  the  wrath  of  Almighty 
God.  Study  elsewhere  in  this  volume  the  events 
which  are  to  lead  up  to  the  battle  of  Armageddon. 

Why  the  picture  of  an  angel  standing  in  the  sun? 

Because  there  is  to  be  a  "  bird-feast,"  and  this 
angel  has  come  to  call  the  fowls  of  the  air  to  their 
feast. 

What  are  the  birds  to  feast  upon? 

On  the  flesh  of  kings,  of  captains,  flesh  of  mighty 
men  [war  lords],  of  free  men,  of  slaves,  of  horses! 
Awful  losses !  This  is  the  "  supper  of  the  great  God." 
It  closes  the  age. 

What  constitutes  the  body  that  gathers  to  war 
against  Jesus? 

The  "  beast,"  or  dynasty,  kings  of  the  earth  and 
their  armies — all  Gentiles,  200  millions  of  soldiers. 
The  Second  Doom  (Rev.  19:  20). 

What  will  be  done  with  the  beast? 

He  will  be  cast  into  the  fiery  lake  of  sulphur.  He 
was  thousands  of  years  perverting  truth  and  injuring 
godly  works. 

Who  will  be  doomed  with  the  beast? 

The    "  false    prophet,"    the    miracle-worker,    and 


182  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

those   who   had   the   mark    (666)    of   the   beast   and 
worshiped  him. 

What  Is  the  Greatest  Joy? 

The  greatest  of  all  raptures,  the  church  going  out  to 
meet  the  Bridegroom  (Matt.  25:  1). 

This  little  book  is  concerned  about  the  predicted 
judgments  and  preparations  to  meet  what  God  has 
planned  in  salvation.  Tremendous  events  are  pass- 
ing rapidly  in  review,  and  to  deny  that  they  are  not 
connected  with  filling  of  prophecies  is  to  deny  the 
truth  of  God.  We  trust  that  no  one  will  subject  him- 
self to  dealing  in  misrepresentation  by  concluding  that 
the  author  of  this  book  is  trying  to  forestall  God. 
We  are  perfectly  satisfied  with  Matt.  24:  36.  That 
our  Father  will  send  Jesus,  who  will  stay  at  home 
until  those  times  of  universal  restoration  of  Israel, 
we  do  not  doubt  (Acts  3:  21).  We  have  not  a 
particle  of  doubt  that  he  will  both  appear  and  come 
to  reign.  His  appearing  to  take  out  his  people  is  one 
thing,  and  his  coming  to  reign  is  quite  another  event. 

STUDY  FORTY-ONE 
Pa-ren-thet-i-cal 

A  Suggestive  Survey. 

At  this  point  it  may  be  well  to  take  a  sober  glance 
at  transpiring  events  from  Israel's  point  of  view. 
Let  us  look  at  Luke  21  :  24,  25. 

"  Jerusalem  will  be  under  the  heel  of  the  Gentiles 
until  their  day  is  over — as  it  will  be." 

"  The  capture  of  the  land  "  of  Palestine  took  place 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         183 

B.  C.  606.  From  that  time  to  1914  is  2,520  years 
since  the  Jews  have  had  no  government  of  their  own. 
Gentiles  have  been  their  masters  ever  since  (2  Chron. 
36:  6). 

B.  C.  595  the  Shekinah  or  visible  symbol  of  Divine 
glory  in  the  tabernacle  and  temple  was  taken  away. 
Two  thousand  five  hundred  and  twenty  years  minus 
595  brings  us  to  A.  D.  1925  (Ezek.  9:  3;  10:  4;  18: 
11,  23). 

"  The  destruction  of  Jerusalem  and  complete  cap- 
ture of  the  people,  B.  C.  587;  2,520  years  minus  587 
is  1933  A.  D.     (2  Chron.  36:  17). 

This  is  not  trying  to  set  dates  for  Jesus'  return 
to  earth,  but  these  are  dates  that  reach  into  Daniel's 
"time  of  the  end"  (Dan.  8:  17-19;  9:  26;  11:  35, 
40,  45 ;  12:  4,  6,  9).  He  had  a  vision  from  the  B.  C. 
dates  mentioned  up  to  the  close  of  this  age,  or  the 
return  of  Israel  to  their  land.  As  1920  is  four  years 
short  of  exact  time,  1924  is  the  correct  date  when  the 
first  great  event  occurs  affecting  the  return  of  the 
Jews  to  their  promised  possessions.  This  war  will  in 
all  probability  open  the  way  for  their  possession  un- 
der some  Gentile  protectorate.  Much  might  be  writ- 
ten concerning  diplomacy  affecting  the  Jews  and  Mes- 
opotamia,  which  is  part  of  their  land. 

How  should  believers  comport  themselves,  seeing 
that  all  are  in  "  the  time  of  the  end  "  ?  Brother,  are 
you  getting  ready  to  go  out  of  coming  troubles,  or 
are  you  busy  making  ready  to  stay  here? 

"  The  war  which  has  already  shocked  the  world  by 
its  sudden  outbreak,  widespread  extent  and  unpre- 
cedented  ferocity  of  destruction,  coincides  with  the 


184  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

prediction  in  1  Thess.  5 :  3  and  forcibly  adds  to  the 
probability  that  this  time  measure,  of  2,520  years, 
may  be  correct.  If  so,  then  the  limit  in  1915  must 
mark  some  event  of  national  importance  to  Israel. 
It  is  significant  that  suggestions  are  already  being 
published  of  restoring  Palestine  to  the  Jews. 

"  How  wonderful  if  the  date  should  be  as  exact 
as  the  '  self-same  day  '  of  Israel's  deliverance  from 
Egypt  (Ex.  12:  41 ;  Acts  7:6;  Gal.  3:  17)  (430  years 
of  the  covenant,  400  of  servitude)." — W.  E.  B. 

Are  Bible  dates  for  the  church  or  for  Israel? 

For  Israel.  Bible  dates  had  to  do  with  Israel's 
overthrow ;  Bible  dates  have  to  do  with  Israel's  re- 
turn to  the  land. 

Israel  was  promised  chastisements  for  disobedience. 
Five  chastisements  are  given  in  Lev.  26:  14-31.  Then 
follows  the  promise  of  dispersion  or  scattering  among 
the  heathen.  As  a  people  they  are  yet  scattered 
among  the  Gentiles.  There  has  been  no  Shekinah 
presence  since  they  were  taken  to  Babylon,  and  there 
can  be  no  Shekinah  for  them  until  Messiah  becomes 
their  actual  King  on  David's  throne  (Isa.  9:7). 

There  lies  before  me  a  copy  of  the  "  Great  Dem- 
onstration," by  J.  A.  Battenfield  and  Philip  Y.  Pen- 
dleton, which  is  evidence  of  great  study  of  the  Book. 
A  few  of  the  authors'  deductions  are  given  here, 
simply  to  cause  our  readers  some  thought.  There  is 
a  great  cause  for  events  now  rapidly  transpiring  and 
bringing  heart-perplexities  to  rulers  of  nations.  The 
authors  of  "  Great  Demonstration  "  do  not  claim  an 
hour  or  a  day  or  a  set  time  when  Jesus  shall  come  for 
his  saints,  but  they,  like  others,  deal  with  "  the  time 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         185 

of  the  end,"  which  may  be  quite  a  number  of  years, 
since  many  marvelous  things  must  occur,  according  to 
the  prophets,  before  Jesus'  arrival;  Personally  my 
mind  is  not  inclined  to  the  study  of  biblical  dates 
to  find  unfulfilled  seasons.  These  are  given  to  awaken 
some  interest  in  our  own  momentous  events:  "  1913- 
1917,  Christ's  final  call  to  the  Jews  to  believe  Christ 
as  the  Head  of  the  church,  their  Messiah;  1917-1920, 
Christ's  final  call  to  the  Gentiles.  1920-1926,  fall  of 
Roman  Catholicism.  1927-1948,  fall  of  the  Jews  and 
Mohammedanism.  1949-1956,  fall  of  godless  gov- 
ernments (likely  among  them  church  federation, 
now  fast  taking  form).  1956-1972,  fall  of  Protestant 
corruptions." 

Satan's  organized  kingdom  will  be  overthrown.  Let 
us  all  be  ready  not  to  go  down  with  it. 

STUDY  FORTY-TWO 
Seven  Kinds  of  Judgment 

"  The  Books  Opened." 

How  many  kinds  of  judgments  are  "  invested  with 
especial  significance  "  ? 

"Seven."  (1)  The  judgment  of  believer's  sins 
through  the  Cross  (John  12:  31).  The  atonement  as 
made.  (2)  The  disciple's  self-judgment  (1  Cor.  12: 
3).  Each  believer  can  bring  his  faults,  blemishes, 
shortcomings  to  Jesus,  through  penitence,  and  ask 
forgiveness.  He  judges  himself  through  the  Word 
and  Christ  mediates  for  him  before  God.  (3)  The 
obedience  of  the  believer  is  tested  (2  Cor.  5:  10). 
"  Every  work  must  come  into  judgment "  (Matt.  11 : 


186  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

36;  Rom.  14:  10;  Gal.  6:  7).  (4)  Judgment  of 
nations  at  Christ's  coming  (Matt.  25:  32).  No  res- 
urrection is  found  here.  Christ  takes  what  is  here 
upon  his  arrival  and  gives  it  what  belongs  to  it.  The 
wicked  dead  are  resurrected,  then  judged.  Nations 
are  judged  with  respect  to  how  they  treated  Israel 
during  her  dispersion.  The  Jews,  who  represent 
Israel,  have  been  shamefully  treated  by  Gentiles  dur- 
ing this  Christian  age.  Nations  have  to  account  for 
their  cruelties.  (5)  Israel  will  have  to  be  judged 
nationally  when  Jesus  comes,  to  find  the  fit  ones  to 
go  into  the  land.  There  will  be  a  purging  (Ezek.  20: 
38;  Psa.  50:  1-7;  Mai.  3:  2-5;  4:  1,  2).  (6)  The 
judgment  of  angels  who  left  their  first  estate  (Jude  6). 
This  occurs  at  the  close  of  the  1,000  years'  reign  of 
Christ  (Rev.  20:  11-15).  Believers  take  part  in  this 
judgment  (1  Cor.  6:  3).  (7)  The  judgment  of  the 
wicked  dead.  Here  is  a  resurrection ;  it  takes  place 
at  the  great  white  throne,  the  throne  of  exact  justice. 
Judgments  indicate  the  need  of  setting  things  right. 
Wrongs  must  give  place  to  rights.  Errors  must  be 
set  in  their  proper  places  by  a  just  Power. 

The  Fourth  Doom    (Rev.  19:  21). 

Who  are  the  remnant  evil  ones? 

There  are  and  will  be  a  great  body  of  scoffers, — 
men  who  scorn  at  godly  actions,  and  write  blas- 
phemous articles  against  God ;  speak  and  write  against 
the  virgin  birth  of  Christ ;  deny  the  purchase-blood ; 
speak  of  their  own  culture  in  preference  to  the  Christ 
atonement.  Yes,  men  who  will  belittle  Jesus'  coming 
to  reign  on  earth !  These  are  the  remnant  of  Satan's 
working  force  (2  Peter  3:3). 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION         187 


The  Millennial  Chapter. — XX 

The  Grace  of  Righteousness. 

We  have  seen  that  the  purpose  of  God  was  from 
the  first  marked  out  for  the  privileges  of  his  sons 
through  Jesus  Christ,  in  fulfillment  of  his  loving  pur- 
poses, and  to  win  praise  for  that  glorious  blessing 
which  he  freely  conferred  upon  us  in  his  dear  Son. 
For  by  union  with  Christ,  and  through  his  sacrifice 
of  himself,  we  have  found  redemption  in  the  pardon 
of  our  offences.  This  is  in  accordance  with  the 
wealth  of  the  blessings  that  God  heaped  upon  us, 
which  were  accompanied  by  countless  gifts  of  wisdom 
and  discernment,  when  he  made  known  to  us  his  se- 
cret purpose.  And  it  is  also  in  accordance  with  the 
loving  design  which  God  planned  from  the  first  to 
carry  out  in  Christ — the  establishment  of  a  new  order 
when  the  times  were  ripe  for  it,  when  he  would  make 
everything,  both  in  heaven  and  on  earth,  center  in 
the  Christ  (Eph.  1  :  5-10).  God  is  nearing  the  period 
when  he  will  "  mark  the  completion  of  the  ages." 

What  is  the  first  thing  in  this  chapter? 

The  first  move  in  making  a  new  creature  or  to  re- 
generate a  sinner  is  to  put  Satan  out  of  business  in 
the  mind  and  affections ;  so  here,  in  order  to  set  up 
a  new  and  holy  age,  Satan  is  put  away  so  that  he 
can  not  tempt  people. 

Who  takes  charge  of  putting  the  devil  into  the 
abyss? 

An  angel  from  heaven.  When  heaven  moves  other 
things  must  move  out  of  the  way. 


188  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

What  may  be  inferred  by  binding  Satan f 

"  Chains  "  stands  for  binding  means.  As  a  man 
would  bind  with  an  iron  chain,  so  Satan  is  put  away 
from  his  approach  to  man.  All  communications  are 
cut  off  between  him  and  mankind. 

How  long  does  God  put  Satan  away  from  man? 

One  thousand  years,  or  until  the  millennial  age 
closes.  This  age  is  distinctively  Israel's  as  leading  in 
the  flesh,  and  the  church  in  Spirit. 

Will  Satan  come  again  into  the  affairs  of  mankind? 

After  the  1,000  years  "he  must  be  let  loose  for  a 
while  "   (verse  4). 

STUDY  FORTY-THREE 

The  First  Resurrection  (1  Cor.  15:  52). 

What  is  meant  by  "  first  resurrection  "  ? 

Patriarchs  believed  in  resurrection  (Gen.  22:  5). 
Revealed  through  prophets  (Isa.  26:  19;  Dan.  12: 
14).     Dead  restored  (2  Kings  4:  32-35;  13:  21). 

Jesus  Christ  raised  the  dead  (Matt.  19:  25). 

Christ  came  out  of  death  (Luke  24:  1-8;  John  10: 
18). 

Saints  were  raised   (Matt.  28:  52,  53). 

Apostles  raised  the  dead  to  life  (Acts  9:  36-41; 
20:  9-10). 

There  will  be  two  resurrections — the  just  and  the 
unjust  (John  5 :  28). 

Who  comes  forth  at  the  first  one? 

Those  who  are  in  Christ.  Those  who  are  called  to 
the  marriage  feast  up  in  the  air,  or  heaven.    This  will 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION         189 

be  when  Christ  comes  for  them — it  is  his  APPEAR- 
ING (Titus  2:  13;  1  Tim.  6:  14;  1  Peter  1:7). 
Where  these  two  events  are  mixed  in  the  mind  con- 
fusion is  sure  to  result.  Even  this  first  resurrection 
is  in  two  parts :  First,  the  saints  who  are  to  go  at  his 
appearing ;  second,  those  harvested  during  the  "  great 
tribulation"  (Matt.  13:  30).  Then  comes  the  resur- 
rection of  the  wicked  at  the  close  of  the  1,000  years 
(Rev.  20:  11-15). 

Who  shall  be  happy  and  holy? 

Those  first  resurrected.  They  are  "  holy  "  because 
of  Christ's  righteousness ;  they  will  be  happy  because 
they  are  counted  worthy  to  reign  with  Christ  for 
1,000  years  (verse  6;  Isa.  61 :  6). 

Satan  Loosed. 

What  will  Satan's  mission  be? 

During  the  1,000  years  of  millennium  the  Gentile 
nations  will  have  grown  to  great  proportions,  and 
though  the  Gospel  shall  be  preached  to  them  by  the 
immortal  Christ  and  saints,  the  devil  will  go  among 
them  when  let  out  of  the  abyss  and  tempt  or  corrupt 
many  (verse  8). 

Why  are  the  nations  called  Gog  and  Magog? 

Close  observation  shows  that  Satan  will  gather  the 
tempted  nations  for  this  last  earth-battle.  Gog  seems 
to  be  the  name  of  the  general  or  ruler,  and  Magog  in- 
timates that  the  main  forces  are  coming  from  Rus- 
sia, which  has  persecuted  the  Jews  above  all  others, 
hence  she  will  receive  double  justice  from  God. 
Israel's  country  by  that  time  will  have  grown  very 
wealthy,  and  there  will  be  great  temptation  for  taking 


190  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

spoils.  National,  filthy  covetousness  is  not  one  whit 
better  than  personally  tainted  coveteousness,  and 
often  it  destroys  whole  nations.  God  puts  all  of  them 
out  of  business,  which  is  very  good,  lest  by  living,  all 
peoples  should  be  corrupted.  If  injurious  weeds  are 
left  alone,  they  will  root  out  and  destroy  all  wheat.  If 
impenitent  people  were  not  eventually  removed  by 
God  the  whole  earth  would  become  waste.  It  did 
once.  The  remedy  was  water.  The  color  of  the 
rainbow  indicates  what  element  will  next  be  employed. 
At  the  close  of  the  battle  of  Magog  Satan  meets 
his  doom  (verse  10).    This  is  the  sixth  doom. 

What  is  the  seventh  doom? 

It  is  the  unbelieving  dead  or  those  that  belong  to 
the  second  resurrection  (verses  11-15).  Such  had 
refused  to  permit  themselves  to  be  enrolled  "  in  the 
book  of  life."  In  their  day  on  earth  the  Lord  held 
out  to  them  love,  light,  life,  but  these  were  rejected. 
They  are  judged  according  to  their  works  (Luke  12: 
47,  48).  Will  such  as  plead  their  own  "  good  works  " 
be  there  (Matt.  7:  22,  23)  ?  The  awful  blank  where 
their  names  might  have  been ! ! 

STUDY  FORTY-FOUR 
New-Things  Chapter. — XXI 

Joyous  Things. 

What  seven  new  things  now  come  into  view  from 
heaven? 

(1)  A  new  heaven.  (2)  A  new  earth.  (3)  A  new 
people.      (4)    A    new   Jerusalem,    the    Lamb's    wife. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION        191 

(5)  A  new  temple.     (6)   A  new  light.     (7)  A  new 
paradise. 

Why  should  there  be  a  "  new  heaven  "  f 

Because  the  old  heaven,  the  old  institutions,  the 
old  order,  the  old  surroundings  were  contaminated 
and  Jesus  had  to  go  away  from  earth  to  cleanse  all 
(John  14:  3;  Heb.  9:  23). 

Is  Satan  still  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air? 

Yes,  by  permissive  will  of  God.  Here  is  where 
God  makes  "  an  open  door  "  for  saints  to  go  through. 
John  went  through;  Elijah  went  through;  Enoch  went 
through;  Jesus  went  through — all  are  typical  of  the 
church  going  through  when  she  is  finished. 

Why  will  it  be  necessary  to  clean  up  this  old  earth 
so  that  there  may  be  a  new  one? 

God  has  long  waited  for  men  to  make  it  clean  by 
being  regenerated,  morally,  religiously,  politically, 
but  the  more  the  nations  work  at  it  in  their  way,  the 
more  it  needs  regeneration.  Hence,  God  will  bring 
to  an  end  man's  way  and  send  his  Son,  the  King,  to 
cleanse  it  with  "  the  baptism  of  fire." 

Peering  into  the  End. 

What  will  be  the  order  of  events  up  to  the  time 
Satan  will  be  destroyed  and  Christ  will  hand  over 
his  kingdom  to  the  Father  (i  Cor.  15:  24)? 

(1)  The  return  of  the  Lord  after  marriage  to  his 
bride  (Matt.  24:  29,  30). 

(2)  Destruction  of  the  beast  and  his  host  (Rev. 
14). 

(3)  The  judgment  of  the  nations  (Zech.  14:  1-9). 


192  THE   OPEN   WAY  INTO 

(4)  The  1,000-year  reign  of  Christ  and  his  wife. 

(5)  Satan's  testing  by  permission,  and  ending. 

(6)  The  second  resurrection  and  judgment. 

(7)  The  DAY  of  Jehovah  in  consummation  (2 
Peter  3:   10-12). 

Summary  of  Satan's  Career. 

(1)  Was  light-bearer  in  God's  realm  (Ezek.  1:5). 
Was  God's  anointed,  but  fell  (Isa.  14:  12-14). 

(2)  Cast  out  of  heaven,  like  lightning  (Luke  10: 
18). 

(3)  Operates  in  air  and  in  hearts  of  men  (Eph.  2: 
2;  1  Peter  5:  8). 

(4)  As  serpent  or  twister  he  perpetrated  a  fraud 
upon  Eve's  conscience  (Rom.  5:  12-14). 

(5)  Satan  continues  his  assaults  upon  mankind. 

(6)  He  has  an  organized  "  world-system."  Its  dom- 
inant principles  are  selfish  greed,  killing,  false  am- 
bition, deceptions. 

He  offers  many  things  of  this  world  for  service  to 
him;  but  he  has  not  even  three  grains  of  sand  to  give 
away,  for  he  never  bought  anything.  He  is  usurp- 
ing all  the  things  that  Christ  bought. 

(7)  He  is  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air  by  per- 
missive will  of  God  (John  12:  31;  14:  30;  16:  11;  2 
Cor.  4:  4). 

(8)  Once  Satan  had  the  power  of  death,  but  Christ 
took  it  from  him  (Heb.  2:  14). 

(9)  He  still  accuses  saints  before  God  the  Father 
(Rev.  12:  10). 


THE   BOOK    OF    REVELATION         193 


STUDY  FORTY-FIVE 

(3)  The  New  People  (21:  3-8). 

What  did  that  loud  voice  from  the  throne  say? 

"  See !  the  tabernacle  of  God  is  set  up  among  men." 
To  coming  Israel  God  promises :  "  My  tabernacle  al- 
so shall  be  with  them  "  (Ezek.  37:  27). 

What  will  God  do  to  this  new  people? 

"  Dwell  among  them.  He  will  wipe  away  all  tears 
from  their  eyes."  All  joy!  The  Spirit  put  this  in 
here  to  encourage  hope.  The  saints  must  ever  be 
expectant.  No  more  death,  no  more  griefs  !  Isa.  25 : 
8  connects  with  this  for  Israel.  Jer.  31 :  16  is  a  wit- 
ness, also. 

What  more  did  the  Throne-sitter  say? 

"  See !  I  make  all  things  new."  This  from  the 
Perfect  One,  who  is  no  longer  conscious  of  sin. 

Can  the  Throne-sitter  be  trusted? 

Listen !  "  Write,  for  these  words  may  be  trusted 
and  are  true."    Each  truth  is  a  correct  statement. 

What  more  does  the  True  and  Faithful  say? 

"  It  is  done."  "  It  is  finished."  The  books  are 
about  to  close.    The  age  is  completed. 

What  is  a  most  gracious  promise? 

"  To  him  who  thirsts  I  will  give  of  the  spring  of 
the  water  of  Life,  freely."  And  still  more!  "He 
who  conquers  shall  enter  into  possession  of  these 
things,  and  I  will  be  his  God,  and  he  shall  be  my  son." 


194  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Does  God  do  for  his  redeemed  what  he  did  for  his 
Son? 

He  evidently  does.  He  gave  "  his  only  begotten 
Son  "  a  place  on  his  own  throne ;  and  will  not  Jesus 
give  each  saint  a  place  upon  his  throne?  He  gives 
saints  permission  to  "  eat  of  the  Tree  of  Life."  "  Not 
to  be  hurt  of  the  second  death."  "  Give  of  the  hidden 
manna  "  ;  a  "  white  stone  in  which  is  a  new  name." 
"  Will  give  him  the  morning  star."  "  Clothe  him  in 
white  raiment."  "  Will  write  upon  him  the  name  of 
God,  even  the  new  name  of  Jesus."  "  Made  us  kings 
and  priests.  "  We  shall  reign  with  him.  "  We  shall 
judge  or  help  to  rule  the  world." 

Why  does  John  receive  a  message  as  to  wicked 
sinners   (Rev.  21  :  8)  ? 

Like  in  Isa.  30:  33  it  is  a  last  warning.  It  is  the 
last  sentence  repeated  upon  cowards,  degraders,  un- 
believers, murderers,  the  impure,  sorcerers,  idolaters, 
and  all  liars.  "  Their  place  will  be  the  burning  lake 
of  fire  and  sulphur."  God  said  this  (and  he  surely 
knows)  as  well  as  he  said,  "  I  will  wipe  away  all 
tears."  Both  can  be  believed.  The  second  death  and 
lake  of  fire  are  identical  (Rev.  20:  14). 

After  1,000  years  the  lake  of  fire  still  exists  for 
Satan. 

(4)  The  New  Jerusalem  (Rev.  21 :  9-21). 

What  message  does  one  of  the  plague  angels  bring 
to  John? 

You  observe  the  seven  last  plague-angels  of  Rev. 
16  are  still  busy  to  the  end  of  the  age !     Now  they 


THE   BOOK   OF   REVELATION         195 

are  delivering  saintly  messages  instead  of  judgment 
curses. 

This  is  the  message :  "  Come  here,  and  I  will  show 
you  the  bride,  the  Lamb's  wife."  O  joys !  O  eternal 
felicity ! !  Shall  we  become  a  part  of  the  New  Jeru- 
salem?    O  yes,  yes!     How  then  ought  we  to  LIVE? 

Why  take  John  up  into  a  high  mountain? 

It  is  a  figure  of  speech  to  convey  to  the  human  mind 
the  best  point  of  view,  for  the  best  of  all  was  now  to 
come  into  John's  view.  It  is  the  consummation  of  all 
consummations ! ! 

A  Vivid  Description. 

What  all  does  the  view  bring  to  John? 

First,  all  was  the  "  glory  of  God."  Next  was  a 
description  of  her  light.  "  Its  brilliance  was  like 
some  very  precious  stone,  like  jasper,  transparent  as 
crystal."  "  A  crystal  is  perfectly  clear,  the  oriental 
jasper  is  a  beautiful  sea  green.  The  stone  that  is 
here  described  is  recognized  as  a  perfectly  transparent 
jasper,  being  unclouded  as  the  brightest  crystal,  and 
consequently  the  most  precious  species.  Nothing  can 
be  finer  than  this  description ;  the  light  of  this  city 
is  ever  intense,  equal,  and  splendid.  It  is  tinted  with 
this  green  hue,  in  order  to  make  it  agreeable  to  the 
sight.  How  beautiful  the  light  of  the  glorified  church 
will  be! 

Why  is  it  described  as  having  a  great  high  wall? 

Wall,  symbolically,  stands  for  the  strength  of  a  city. 
Isa.  26:  1  teaches  that  "wall"  is  set  for  salvation. 
In  Prov.   18:   11  "wall"  is  used  for  great  stability. 


196  THE  OPEN   WAY  INTO 

Hence  "  wall "  in  this  text  stands   for  absolute  se- 
curity. 

What  are  gates  for? 

For  entrance  of  good  and  exclusion  of  bad.  Here 
for  entrance  only.  At  each  gate  stands  an  angel — a 
watch-angel. 

Why  are  the  names  of  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel 
inscribed  on  the  gates? 

This  is  a  great  question  and  space  forbids  its  pur- 
suit here.  However,  study  the  marching  arrangement 
of  Israel  through  the  wilderness  (Num.  2  and  10), 
which  will  shed  light  upon  this  subject. 

Twelve  is  the  number  of  final  spiritual  government- 
al completeness. 

The  gates  pointed  to  the  four  world-directions, 
from  whence  came  all  who  make  up  the  bride,  the  city. 
This  city  is  a  new  creation,  hence  four  sides. 

Why  were  the  names  of  the  twelve  apostles  in- 
scribed on  the  twelve  foundations? 

Twelve  signifies  perfection  of  church  government. 

The  Holy  Spirit  said  something  about  apostolic 
foundations  in  Ephesians  2 :  20.  In  the  New  Jeru- 
alem  the  names  stand  at  the  base,  the  very  resting 
place  of  the  structure — "  church  glorified."  It  was 
by  the  apostles  that  the  very  stones  were  fitted  for 
this  great  city. 

Why  did  the  angel  measure  the  city,  the  gates  and 
its  wall? 

We  have  learned  that  when  something  "  new  ';  was 
about  to  begin,  angels  or  holy  beings  measured  the 


THE   BOOK   OP   REVELATION        197 

structure.  Here  the  finished  work  was  to  be  meas- 
ured by  a  "  most  valuable  measure,"  a  golden  rod 
(Ezek.  40:  3;  Zech.  2:  1). 

The  City  Is  a  Cube. 

Can  the  dimensions,  expressive  of  the  bride,  be 
given? 

"  The  city  is  equal  in  dimensions."  Its  length, 
breadth,  and  height  are  equal — twelve  hundred  miles 
each  way.  The  wall  was  288  feet  thick.  This  is 
2x2x2x2x2x3x3.  It  is  composed  of  two  3s  and  five 
2s.  Three  stands  for  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit, 
and  these  figures  are  doubled,  expressive  of  double 
perfection  in  their  work  of  redemption.  Two  stands 
for  Christ's  duality,  Divine  and  human,  and  there 
are  five  twos  here ;  its  significance  is  important. 
Five  stands  for  progress,  but  incomplete.  However, 
this  dualism  of  Christ,  put  in  a  fivefold  manner, 
brings  the  incompleteness  of  man  to  the  highest  pos- 
sible perfection.     The  wall  indicates  perfect  security. 

What  is  the  measure  of  a  man  or  a  cubit ? 

A  cubit  is  the  length,  from  the  tip  of  the  elbow  to 
the  tip  of  the  middle  finger.  Usually  this  is  eighteen 
inches. 

Have  Israel  and  the  church  anything  to  do  with 
"  the  measure  of  man  "  ? 

Perhaps  it  refers  to  man's  limit  in  life  or  abilities. 
Twelve  tribes  of  Israel,  multiplied  by  twelve  apostles, 
who  stand  for  the  church,  both  of  whom  have  Christ 
as  their  Center,  when  multplied  equal  one  hundred 
and  forty-four.  This,  multiplied  by  Christ's  duality, 
Divine  and  human,  makes  just  288,  or  4x72. 


198  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 


STUDY  FORTY-SIX 

What  does  the  Spirit  use  to  make  a  great  com- 
parison ? 

Very  precious  stones.  As  to  their  significance  in 
values  or  character  it  is  quite  difficult  to  determine ; 
but  since  each  tribe  of  Israel  was  represented  by  a 
precious  stone  in  the  breastplate  of  the  high  priest, 
which  he  wore  over  his  heart,  they  likely  were  sym- 
bolic of  the  character  of  each  tribe.  They  are  here 
given  as  to  names  and  color  in  the  New  Jerusalem. 
O  what  beauty  and  value  will  each  redeemed  one 
have  then ! ! 

(1)  Jasper,  which  is  a  sea-green  color  and  was 
given  to  Judah,  signifies  unending. 

(2)  The  next  was  topaz,  which  stood  for  Issachar. 
Its  color  was  dead  green  mixed  with  yellow. 

(3)  Carbuncle,  set  over  for  Zebulun,  a  deep  red 
color.  When  held  up  to  the  sun  it  appeared  like  a 
burning  coal.    It  is  the  jacinth  of  Revelation. 

(4)  An  emerald,  a  bright  green  color,  stood  in  the 
breastplate  for  Reuben.  It  is  one  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful and  very  soothing  to  the  eyes. 

(5)  A  sapphire  represented  Simeon.  In  color  it  is 
fine  blue.     Blue  is  a  type  of  the  heavenly. 

(6)  This  was  a  diamond.  It  is  colorless  but  grand 
in  reflecting  light.     Was  assigned  to  Gad. 

(7)  A  ligure,  or  possibly  an  opal,  of  a  mixed  color 
of  green,  yellow,  blue  and  red,  most  brilliant  in  ap- 
pearance. It  stood  for  Ephraim,  and  fits  up  well  to 
his  character. 


THE    BOOK    OF    REVELATION         199 

(8)  This  was  an  agate,  and  was  placed  on  the 
breastplate  for  Manasseh.  In  color  dark,  horny  red, 
with   streaks   of   bluish  white,   generally   in   bands. 

(9)  To  Benjamin  was  given  an  amethyst,  a  very 
fine  purple  or  violet  color,  with  bands  of  strong  red 
and  blue  streaks. 

(10)  To  Dan  was  given  the  stone  beryl,  bluish- 
green,  indicating  everlasting  heavenlies. 

(11)  Onyx  stood  for  Asher.  In  color  it  was  band- 
ed jasper  or  chalcedony,  white  and  gray  layers  alter- 
nate. 

(12)  Jacinth  belonged  to  Napthali,  in  color  dead 
red  with  streaks  of  yellow,  and  highly  significant. 
Its  everlastingness  and  knowing  character  meets  the 
character  of  the  tribe. 

What  is  the  probable  purpose  in  using  those  beau- 
tiful gems? 

Very  likely  to  show  man  that  in  his  redemption  he 
shall  ultimate  in  great  beauty  and  value,  just  as  Jesus 
is  now  upon  the  throne  in  heaven  and  will  be  upon 
his  own  throne  upon  earth. 

How  might  these  grand  stones  be  used  to  enhance 
faith,  love  and  hope? 

Certainly  not  upon  the  human  body,  which  is  not 
yet  clothed  with  the  heavenly  house;  but  the  artist 
could  paint  them  as  they  were  used  on  the  breast- 
plate of  the  high  priest.  Then  the  pictures  could  be 
given  in  children's  meetings  to  portray  how  beautiful 
a  believer  will  be  in  heaven.  It  takes  beautiful, 
spiritual  pictures  to  impress  grand  and  splendid 
thoughts  upon  the  child's  mind. 


200  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Why  will  there  be  no  temple  in  the  New  J erusalem? 

Because  God  and  the  Lamb  are  the  temple  then. 
The  Israelites  worshiped  in  the  temple ;  we  worship 
in  our  bodies  (temples),  and  in  the  completed  things. 
Both  our  Lord  and  the  Father  become  the  real  wor- 
ship in  eternity.  The  Lamb  is  the  light  or  illumi- 
nating power,  as  he  now  is  of  mankind. 

Will  nations  bring  their  gifts  to  that  city? 

Truly.  If  gifts  are  brought  by  nations  then  there 
will  be  nations  beyond  the  1,000  years  of  Christ's 
earthly  reign. 

(5)  A  Wonderful  New  Temple. 

This  has  already  been  treated. 

(6)  A  Great  New  Light. 
What  give  light  to  the  city? 

Both  the  glory  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb  will  re- 
flect all  needed  light.  No  shades  of  gloom  can  be 
there. 

Saved  people  of  nations  shall  walk  in  that  un- 
dimmed  light.  Even  the  kings  are  entitled  to  put 
glory  into  the  place. 

Why  is  the  teaching  of  verse  2J  put  here? 

As  a  warning  to  sinners  not  to  indulge  any  hope 
that  an  occasional  good  thought  or  good  deed  will 
atone  for  sins.  Cain  stood  fast  to  his  "  good 
thoughts  and  good  actions,"  without  a  consciousness 
of  atonement  as  God  demands  atonement. 

Why  are  the  redeemed  enrolled  in  the  Lamb's  book 
of  life? 

God  from  the  beginning  ordered  that  this  Christian 


THE    BOOK    OP   REVELATION        201 

age  should  be  a  "  suffering  one  "  to  saints,  to  give 
them  experience  fiber  for  rulership  in  the  next  age ; 
hence  they  must  suffer  as  did  their  Savior.  Trying 
environments  here  result  in  glorious  liberties  in  the 
next  world  or  dispensation.  Saints  still  are  "  pilgrims 
and  strangers  "  to  worldly  ways  and  methods. 

STUDY  FORTY-SEVEN 
The  Farewell  Chapter. — XXII 

Why  do  you  call  this  the  farewell  chapter? 
Because  it  deals  with  last  things  and  blessings  go 
with  them. 

The  New  Paradise  in  View. 

What  is  the  first  subject  in  this  study? 

An  angel  showing  "  a  river  of  the  water  of  life, 
lucid  as  crystal,  issuing  from  God's  throne,  in  the  mid- 
dle of  the  street  of  the  city." 

What  does  that  "  water  of  life  "  symbolise? 

In  John  4:  14  Jesus  uses  typical  language  express- 
ive of  the  Holy  Spirit's  indwelling.  Hence,  in  this 
text  we  have  the  same  idea;  the  presence  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  flowing  from  God  and  the  Lamb  into  the 
midst  of  the  bride,  the  New  Jerusalem.  As  the  Holy 
Spirit  now  dwells  in  the  believer  he  shall  never  leave 
him,  but  still  in  the  great  completion  of  earth  ex- 
periences the  Spirit  shall  dominate  him. 

What  can  be  learned  from  the  "  Tree  of  Life  bear- 
ing twelve  kinds  of  fruit "  ? 

The  "  Tree  of  Life  "  is  evidently  Jesus  Christ,  yet 
a  Lamb  or  Sin-remover.    On  this  side  of  the  river  or 


202  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

in  this  dispensation  godly  fruits  are  enjoyable  twelve 
months  in  each  year  (every  day),  and  on  that  side  of 
the  river,  or  in  the  next  dispensation,  there  will  be 
constant  fruitage  to  enjoy.  Our  Tree  is  everbearing. 
He  is  the  Light  of  men ;  and  he  will  be  the  Light  of 
saints.  Perfect  spiritual  government  also  connects 
through  the  twelve  manner  of  fruits. 

Wherin  lies  the  healing  element  of  national  whole- 
ness? 

God  puts  that  healing  element  into  those  leaves. 
Leaves  are  the  breathing  powers  of  trees.  The 
spiritual  breathings  (inspirations)  of  the  Lamb  and 
saints,  his  wife,  flow  out  into  nations  who,  receiving 
the  very  basic  elements  of  health  and  unity,  take  on 
the  wholeness.  Healing  and  growth  result  in  peace 
and  prosperity. 

Who  inspires  (breathes  into)  the  prophets  and 
sends  the  messages? 

"  The  Lord  God."  In  this  case  God  sent  his  angel 
"  to  show  his  servants  what  must  quickly  take  place." 
God  quickens  out  of  his  long-sufferings.  And  to 
heighten  his  utterance  he  says :  "  I  will  come  quick- 
ly." He  will  not  tarry  or  linger  when  he  starts  for 
the  earth. 

STUDY  FORTY-EIGHT 

Who  are  promised  happiness   (Rev.  22:  14)? 

"  Blessed,  felicitous,  blissful  will  be  he  who  lays  to 
heart  the  words  of  the  prophecy  contained  in  this 
book,"  or  roll.  Happiness  comes  to  him  who  teaches 
that  this  book  opens  up  tremendous  realities  and  will 


THE   BOOK   OP   REVELATION        203 

fill  up  its  measure,  whether  in  felicities  out  of  Christ's 
righteousness  or  whether  by  judgments  of  sin  most 
fearfully  effective. 

Why  do  men  of  learning,  men  of  culture,  as  men 
count  culture,  teach  that  this  book  is  not  for  our  times 
and  generation — only  a  picture  book? 

We  like  to  give  Bible  reasons  for  neglect  and  lapses, 
not  like  the  sons  of  the  prophets  at  Bethel  and  Jericho, 
who  had  in  mind  the  rapture  or  outgoing  of  Elijah 
that  day,  but  doubted  their  knowledge.  They  knew 
that  Elijah  would  go  up  into  heaven  that  day,  were 
in  the  prophetic  rapture,  knew  he  would  ascend,  saw 
him  go  up;  but  they  doubted  both  their  eyes  and 
knowledge,  and  were  eager  to  send  fifty  men  to  hunt 
for  Elijah  in  the  valley  and  mountain.  The  trouble 
with  the  crowd  of  "  modern  prophets,"  or  the  the- 
ologians, is  that  they  will  not  even  hunt  their  own 
hearts  for  doubts,  but  are  very  busy  multiplying 
skepticism  in  others  on  the  virgin  birth,  atonement, 
inspiration,  and  integrity  of  the  Bible.  If  they  only 
would  find  their  own  doubts  in  their  knowledge  they 
would  cease  making  excuses  for  disobedience ! 

Who  was  this  angel  who  has  been  leading  John 
about  in  heaven,  showing  him  wonders  to  come? 

It  was  a  redeemed  one  of  the  prophets.  He  surely 
was  not  dead  in  his  grave  like  a  beast,  but  was  in 
rapturous  labor  with  John,  who  was  "  in  the  Spirit," 
and  no  doubt  the  Spirit  was  in  John.  He  was  filled 
on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  and  no  one  has  been  notified 
that  the  Holy  Spirit  ever  left  him  (Rev.  1 :  10;  Acts 
2:4). 


204  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

Why  does  the  angel  again  caution  John  not  to  keep 
secret  (not  to  fold  up  and  lay  away  or  put  to  sleep) 
"  the  words  of  the  prophecy  contained  in  this  book  " 
of  Revelation? 

Because  the  "  time  is  near."  The  hour  of  finishing 
is  come.  The  time  is  here  when  the  "  wrongdoer  must 
take  results  of  wrongdoing,  and  the  holy-minded  must 
take  on  results  of  holy  living."  "  I  bring  my  rewards 
with  me."  I  "  will  not  come  and  mingle  with  this 
mixed  multitude." 

"  I  Am  Still  Alpha  and  Omega." 

"  I  have  not  disappeared  from  earth's  interests." 
I  am  First  and  will  be  Last  to  quit  calling.  "  I  was 
Beginning  and  will  be  the  End  of  effort  to  save." 

Another  Blessing. 

What  is  this  great  promise? 

"  Blessed  will  they  be  who  wash  their  robes  "  (ex- 
pressive of  favor,  honor,  dignity,  and  acceptance), 
"  that  they  may  have  the  right  to  approach  the  tree 
of  life,  and  may  enter  the  city  by  its  gates." 

The  Attestation. 

"  I  Jesus  sent  my  angel  to  bear  testimony  to  you 
about  these  things  before  the  churches.  I  am  the 
Scion  and  the  Offspring  of  David,  the  Bright  Star 
of  the  morning." 

The  Last  Invitation. 

Who  gives  the  last  invitation? 

The  Holy  Spirit,  the  bride  or  church,  and  the 
hearer  or  obedient  one. 


THE   BOOK    OF   REVELATION        205 

The  Call  of  the  Spirit. 

What  does  the  Holy  Spirit  call  to? 

The  Holy  Spirit  calls  sinners  to  four  fundamental 
or  four  primary  elements  in  redemption. 

On  the  day  of  the  Holy  Spirit's  arrival  in  Jerusa- 
lem, among  a  praying,  waiting  body  of  believers,  not 
an  hour  was  lost,  but  instantly  he  found  homes  in  all 
who  were  expecting  him  (Acts  2:2).  Once  in  the 
house  he  caused  the  very  building  and  air  to  witness 
for  him.  He  demonstrated  his  fitness  and  worthiness 
to  take  charge  of  the  services.  He  is  yet  fit  and 
worthy  for  this. 

Why  did  he  go  into  every  one  and  not  just  the 
preachers? 

Because  he  is  a  personal  Helper,  a  real  Being,  just 
as  we  are  real.  Each  one  has  needs ;  each  one  has 
power,  so  he  enlarges  each  one's  spiritual  power  and 
abides  in  each  one's  heart  to  direct  the  worship  and 
the  witnessing.  If  he  is  thrust  out,  then  the  believer 
has  only  his  own  personal  intellect  to  lean  upon,  and 
such  intellect  is  usually  a  broken  reed. 

What  did  the  twelve  apostles  do  when  empowered 
by  the  Holy  Spirit? 

They  stood  up.  Being  twelve  they  represent  high, 
orderly,  spiritual  government,  in  the  church.  Like 
the  priests  in  Israel  they  dared  not  sit  and  teach,  but 
stood  up.  They  were  not  empowered  with  judicial 
power,  but  the  church  is.  The  church  can  sit  like 
Jesus  sits.  Judges  sit;  preachers  and  teachers  stand. 
In  Rev.  3 :  20  Jesus  still  stands  and  calls  to  sinners. 
He  is  not  in  the  judgment  position.     In  Rev.  10 :  5 


206  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

the  "  angel  is  standing  upon  the  sea,"  is  not  passing 
judgment  but  insisting  upon  claims.  In  Rev.  15:  2 
the  victorious  people  stood  on  the  sea,  with  harps  in 
praises.  They  were  not  judging,  but  praising  on  ac- 
count of  victories. 

In  Rev.  18:  15  the  world-merchants  stand  afar  off 
in  great  fear.  They  are  in  dread;  they  stand;  they 
are  not  judging.  In  Rev.  20:  12  the  "dead  small 
and  great "  are  said  to  stand  before  God  for  their 
sentences.  They  are  not  judges  They  are  culprits. 
God,  Jesus,  the  Judge,  the  Holy  Spirit  sit  in  judgment. 

What  did  the  Holy  Spirit  say  through  Peter? 

First.  The  Holy  Spirit  explains  the  phenomena  of 
cloven  tongues  and  spirit  manifestation  by  telling 
what  he  gave  to  Joel  centuries  before.  The  Holy 
Spirit  first  quotes  himself  (Joel  2:  30),  omitting  the 
words  "  before  the  great  and  terrible  day  of  the 
Lord,"  which  coming  is  yet  future.  The  "  after- 
ward "  of  Joel  2:  28  refers  to  the  Lord's  day,  or  the 
1,000  years  of  the  Messiah — the  eschatos — but  this 
passage  has  a  partial  and  continuous  fulfillment  dur- 
ing the  "  last  days,"  which  began  with  the  first  advent 
of  Christ  (Heb.  1 :  2).  The  greater  fulfillment  awaits 
the  last  days  as  applied  to  Israel   (Acts  2). 

What  is  the  order  for  preachers  now  to  bring  con- 
viction to  sinners? 

Second.  It  is  that  order  laid  down  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  upon  his  coming  to  point  the  WAY  to  heaven. 
Acts  2:  22  expresses  the  Divinity  of  Christ  in  power. 
Acts  2:  23  expresses  the  value  of  atonement.  Acts 
2 :  25  expresses  the  worth  of  the  resurrection  of  Jesus. 


THE   BOOK   OF   REVELATION        207 

Acts  2 :  25,  30  expresses  Jesus'  glorification  or  crown- 
ing. 

These  are  the  first  elements  to  be  first  taught  to 
sinners.  Here  is  the  preachers'  beginning  point  and 
the  first  things  to  convince  and  convict  sinners  of 
their  needs  of  a  Christ  to  save.  Wit,  deathbed 
stories,  amusements — all  else  are  as  "  chaff,"  without 
nourishment  to  a  hungry  soul. 

What  comes  after  conviction  by  the  Holy  Spirit? 

Third.  The  call  for  supplies :  "  Men  and  breth- 
ren, what  shall  we  do  ? "  The  Spirit's  conviction 
(John  16:  8-11)  has  brought  them  to  inquiry. 

And  what  did  the  Holy  Spirit  answer  to  these 
thousands  of  penitent  believers? 

"  You  must  repent,"  Peter  answered,  "  and  must 
every  one  of  you  be  baptized  in  Jesus  Christ's  name 
for  the  forgiveness  of  your  sins ;  and  then  you  will 
receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit." 

If  the  Holy  Spirit  spoke  through  Peter  the  four 
basic  elements,  or  first  principles  to  convict  sinners, 
did  not  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  Peter,  give  the 
remedy  for  sins?  Why  recognize  the  fact  that  the 
Spirit  used  Peter's  mouth  to  utter  words  of  con- 
viction, and  then  deny  the  Spirit's  answer  to  the 
convicted,  penitent  souls?  God's  words  of  conviction, 
planted  in  penitent  believers'  hearts,  lead  to  that  con- 
version that  has  fixedness  of  life.  These  rarely  get 
into  lapsing  conditions,  but  are  "  good  seed,"  in- 
fluencing for  "  the  kingdom  of  God."  They  are  in 
God's  ones,  twos,  threes,  fours,  fives,  sevens,  tens, 
twelves,  seventies.  Preachers,  give  God's  ways  in 
God's  words  and  the  products  will  be  God's. 


208  THE  OPEN   WAY   INTO 

The  Bride's  Invitation. 

Who  is  the  bridef 

She  is  now  the  out-called  church ;  she  who  believes 
all  God's  requirements  and  willingly  obeys  from  a 
new  heart.  She  is  ever  calling.  When  she  quits 
inviting  sinners  she  ceases  to  be  a  part  of  the  bride. 
The  sleepy  one  gets  Matt.  25 :  10.  God  helps  the 
church  to  call  by  the  Word  and  Spirit.  The  call  is 
not  by  fife  and  drum  and  tambourine,  nor  by  feasts 
and  hilarities,  nor  by  violin  and  horn,  and  laughter, 
nor  boisterousness  and  foolish  movements,  but  by 
truth,  clearly  expounded  through  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Should  the  Church  Send  Missionaries? 

The  church  in  her  first  love  went  everywhere 
preaching  the  Word.  There  is  yet  no  good  reason 
for  not  going  everywhere  preaching  the  Gospel  of 
peace  and  righteousness.  There  can  be  no  human 
wars  where  the  Gospel  is  believed.  The  doubting  of 
belief  brings  on  wars.  The  end  of  the  age  comes 
when  the  Gospel  is  taken  to  all  nations  (Matt.  24: 
14).  This  message  needs  to  be  hung  onto  Matt.  28: 
19.  The  more  the  sins  the  more  the  need  of  spreading 
the  Gospel.  It  was  needed  every  day  since  the 
Cross  and  will  be  until  the  crowning  time  comes. 
Yes,  missionize,  and  keep  on  missionizing  whether  by 
individual  or  by  organized  effort.  None  of  us  can 
afford  to  cease,  seeing  the  day  of  redemption  is  near. 
O  for  more  willing  mission  effort!  Personal  work 
is  the  apostolic  way !  It  has  never  ceased  to  be 
powerful. 


THE    BOOK    OF   REVELATION        209 

The  Last  Caller. 

Who  says  "  Come  "  the  last? 

The  hearer  of  the  Word,  the  doer  by  faith,  a  walk- 
ing witness,  a  "  good  seed  of  the  kingdom,"  daily 
influencing  for  the  kingdom.  He  says  to  sinners, 
"  Come.  Come  taste  what  I  have  tasted  and  be 
saved." 
The  Last  Curse  Announced. 

What  is  this? 

"  If  any  one  adds  to  it,  God  will  add  to  his  troubles 
the  curses  described  in  this  book ;  and  if  any  one 
takes  away  any  of  the  words  in  the  book  containing 
this  prophecy,  God  will  take  away  his  share  in  the 
tree  of  life  and  in  the  holy  city — as  described  in  this 
book  "  (verse  19). 
The  Last  Amen. 

"  He  whose  testimony  this  is,  says,  Assuredly  I  will 
come  quickly !     Amen,  come  Lord  Jesus." 
The  Last  Benediction. 

"  May  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with 
his  people." 


210  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 


ADDENDA 

Theodore  Roosevelt  before,  during,  and  after  being 
president,  had  a  world-wide  view  of  the  needs  of 
civic  righteousness  and  regeneration.  His  conclusion 
was  that  "  no  man  could  be  made  good  by  law."  He 
stood  on  Bible  ground  that  no  man  could  be  made 
good,  except  by  the  grace  of  regeneration — God's 
way. 

Now  comes  President  Woodrow  Wilson  at  a  meet- 
ing of  the  Federal  Council  of  Churches  of  Christ  in 
America,  in  Columbus,  Ohio,  December  10,  1915,  ex- 
pressing a  similar  conclusion.  He  said :  "  Legislation 
can  not  save  society.  Legislation  can  not  even  rectify 
society.  A  law  that  will  work,  is  merely  a  summing 
up  in  executive  form  of  moral  judgment  that  the 
community  has  already  reached." 

This  is  also  biblical.  The  only  ground  of  per- 
manent, everlasting  righteousness  lies  in  the  state- 
ment of  Christ  to  Nicodemus  that  "  Ye  must  be  born 
again"   (John  3:  3). 

The  necessity  of  regeneration  or  "  a  new  creation  " 
in  man,  grows  out  of  "  the  incapacity  or  inability  of 
the  natural  or  sinful  man  to  see  or  to  enter  the  king- 
dom of  God  "  as  it  will  be  when  Christ  comes  to  take 
charge  of  the  earth  or  the  affairs  of  men.  It  is  an 
absolute  fact  that  no  human  gift,  however  moral  or 
refined  in  the  unregenerate  man,  he  is  absolutely 
blind  to  spiritual  truth,  and  is  powerless  to  enter  the 
kingdom  that  way.     It  is  impossible  while  in  the  un- 


THE   BOOK    OF    REVELATION         211 

regenerate  state,  to  please,  obey  or  understand  God 
(Psa.  51:  5;  Jer.  17:  9;  1  Cor.  2:  14;  Rom.  8:  7,  8). 

Divine  Regeneration  is  not  a  reformation  of  the 
old  nature.  It  is  a  creative  act  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
(John  1:  12,  13;  2  Cor.  5:  17;  Eph.  2:  10;  4:  24). 

The  Open  Way  into  the  Book  of  Revelation  from 
the  beginning  to  the  end  is  based  upon  the  divine  re- 
generation. 

First  Creation:  All  material  things  were  created 
(Gen.  1:  2). 

Second  Creation:  Jesus  Christ  created  through  the 
woman  (Matt.  1 :  18). 

Third  Creation:  Man  regenerated,  or  of  His  own 
will  begat  He  us  with  the  word  of  truth  (James  1 : 
18). 

Fourth  Creation:  By  one  Holy  Spirit  all  regener- 
ated persons  are  baptized  into  one  body,  to  be  known 
as  the  bride  of  Christ  (1  Cor.  12:  13). 

This  is  the  first,  greatest,  highest  and  most  impor- 
tant body  of  the  church  of  whom  Christ  is  the  Head. 

The  second  great  body  is  that  of  the  twelve  tribes 
of  Israel  restored  to  their  land;  and  of  whom  Christ 
will  become  the  Messiah. 

The  third  we  have  already  noticed  clearly  as  the 
"mighty  white-robed  multitude"  of  Rev.  7:   13-17. 

The  fourth  great  peoples  are  the  Gentile  nations  of 
Matt.  24:  31,  33. 

The  earth  will  be  the  great  field  of  all  these  forces 
which  God  will  work  out  in  his  own  way  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


212  THE   OPEN   WAY   INTO 

The  church  glorified  as  Christ's  Bride  will  be  wholly- 
spiritual  like  angels,  when  Jesus  brings  her  with  him 
to  reign.  All  that  God  did  or  will  do  for  His  Begotten 
Son,  He  will  do  for  the  Adopted  Sons.  Unity  and 
Equality  will  characterize  all  and  the  whole.     Amen  ! 


Number  in  Scripture 

The  Hebrew  alphabet  consists  of  22  (2x11)  let- 
ters. Five  finals  were  added  to  make  up  3  series 
of  9,  or  27  in  all.  The  Hebrews  counted  by  these 
letters.  Aleph  1,  Beth  2,  Gimel  3,  etc.  They  thus 
reckoned  up  to  900  with  their  letters.  Every 
Godly  expression  is  so  fixed  that  it  becomes  a 
multiple  of  3,  5,  7,  10  or  12.  It  is  strictly  scien- 
tific. Every  expression  denoting  corruption,  evil, 
disorganization,  becomes  a  multiple  of  11  or  13. 
It  is  the  same  in  New  Testament  Greek.  It  is  too 
wonderful  to  put  into  a  few  words. 

Buy  the  book  in  board  cover.  303  pages. 
Price,    postpaid,    $2.50 


Scofield's  Reference  Bible 


The  author  deals  very  clearly  with  the  dispen- 
sations. On  the  topics  of  adoption,  advocacy, 
assurance,  atonement,  church,  conversion,  death, 
election,  eternal  life,  eternal  punishment,  faith, 
flesh,  forgiveness,  grace,  hell  (whether  sheol,  ha- 
des or  gehenna),  imputation,  justification,  king- 
dom, propitiation,  reconciliation,  redemption,  re- 
pentance, righteousness,  salvation,  sanctification, 
sin,  world  (in  its  four  meanings),  defined  in  sim- 
ple, non-technical  terms.     All  are  made  clear. 

For  any  of  the  above  works  address,  with  remittances 

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219  Blanche  Ave.  Tropico,  California 


Creation,  Time  and  Eternity 

J.  S.  Secrist. 
Three  hundred  and  eleven  pages,  board  cover. 
Former  price  $1.50.  We  have  a  few  copies  that 
can  be  had  at  60  cts.  each.  It  is  a  worthy  work. 
It  shows  great  research,  scholarship,  and  inves- 
tigation. The  book  is  worth  a  great  deal  more 
than  the  original  price. 


Operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit 

M.  M.  Eshelman. 

Sixty  pages,  paper  cover.  A  most  effective 
work  on  the  Holy  Spirit.  Clear,  forceful,  produc- 
ing happy  results.     Only  a  few  copies  left. 

Price,   each,    $0.40 

The  Open  Way  Into  the  Book  of  Revelation 


Price,  $1.00.  Agents  wanted  everywhere  for 
this  work.  Write  to  Salome  A.  Eshelman  for  full 
particulars.  Book  can  also  be  obtained  from 
Brethren   Publishing   House,   Elgin,   Illinois. 

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219  Blanche  Ave.  Tropico,  California 


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